Episode 23: 2023 Theme Park News & Tips

Mary Herendeen:

Don your Mickey ears, get ready for your Dole Whip, and download your Disney app. We are headed back to the happiest place on earth for Disney's 100th anniversary.

Welcome to Traveling With AAA, I'm your host, Mary Herendeen. Joining us again is DisneyExaminer.com creator and producer, Jordie Poblete. He's a creative producer, Magic Key holder, and one of Forbes magazine's 30 under 30 nominees. He's here to tell us more about how Disney is celebrating their anniversary and share some other theme park news.

Jordie, thank you for joining us. It's great to see you again.

Jordie Poblete:

Yeah, good to see you again too, Mary. Thanks for having me.

Mary:

I'm really excited. So, Disney's 100th anniversary, what exactly are we celebrating? And what do we have planned?

Jordie:

There's a lot! The 100th anniversary—not of Disneyland, but of the Walt Disney Company—will be happening later this year, so Disney decided to make Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California the home base for that celebration. Essentially, it’s another reason to visit Disneyland, or many more reasons to visit Disneyland.

With any celebration at Disneyland, you’ll have new food and beverage opportunities, Disney Parks merchandise, and of course, new entertainment and attractions. It's really exciting to know that California—where Walt first came to do his animated films and where the Walt Disney Company was started—that Disneyland Resort in California would be the home base for the celebration. It’s apropos and very exciting that all this stuff is happening for locals and visitors abroad looking to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this wonderful company.

Mary:

Yeah, definitely. You mentioned Walt Disney and his brother Roy started the company in 1923 making cartoons, and from that humble beginning, they've evolved into one of the world's greatest entertainment companies. How did that happen? Share with us some of that history.

Jordie:

It did really all start with a mouse. Walt and his brother Roy wanted to create animated films, and that was such a new thing back in the 1920s when you think about it. It was pretty revolutionary to create drawings and then move them at a fast frame rate and see motion. But when you think about it, cameras are essentially taking pictures at a fast rate to be able to give the illusion of movement as well. They just decided to do it with drawings because Walt was a drawer, he was a sketcher. It was revolutionary at the time when his first animated film, Steamboat Willie, came out and people were floored. It’s like seeing something for the first time, almost like the first telephone call.

Mary:

Right.

Jordie:

Or the first person to walk on the moon. It was so big that it just started a phenomenon that would eventually lead to more movies, more money to make those movies, and eventually, Disneyland. These movies turned into something people could experience and enjoy, where they could actually meet Mickey Mouse. Walt not only had a creative brain, but a very business-sided brain, and that's where we get the legacy today, 100 years later where these movies have spawned creativity in a whole bunch of different ways.

Now, you can experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge both here at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. You can experience the Marvel Cinematic Universe at Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park, and so many other things. So yes, the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company means so much to creativity, but also just to know that we as fans can experience these things firsthand.

Mary:

We talked about that experience and going from the movie into the world itself. Do you think that's the secret ingredient that made this transformation of Disneyland over these past 100 years possible? Or what do you think is Disney’s secret ingredient?

Jordie:

I think good storytelling is what they would tell you. That's the company's product, these stories that people get to experience, whether it's film, TV, or audio, and theme parks. Having people experience that story they're trying to tell across all of their studios and franchises in a theme park is obviously really revolutionary and unique. As fans, it’s just natural we want to do that, and I think that’s the secret recipe. They know what we want in a lot of ways, and that we've fallen in love with the stories that they've given us and we just want more of them.

Mary:

That's right, they've got a great way of storytelling and including us in that story. Now, Disney's actual anniversary date isn't until October 16, but the company is celebrating almost all this year, starting on January 27. What are some of the things that they have planned early on?

Jordie:

Yeah, so the actual celebration will kick off on the 27th. Some of the stuff that comes to mind are the new food experiences. You can expect a lot of Disney 100 logos being branded on brownies, drinks, and stuff like that.

You have the merchandise as well, which they're hopefully going to debut slowly over the course of the celebration. I know there are a lot of fans who want the Disney 100 exclusive stuff, especially the Magic Key holder exclusives that are coming.

Then, you have my personal favorite which are the attractions, or excuse me, the attraction that is debuting at Disneyland Resort, as well as the new entertainment offerings.

Mary:

Tell us about the attraction.

Jordie:

The attraction is called Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway. Try to say that 10 times fast! It is a version of the attraction that had debuted a few years back at Walt Disney World, and it’s one of my favorite attractions.

Essentially, it's inspired by the new Mickey Mouse shorts that have come out on Disney Channel and Disney+ that give a renewed meaning to the slapstick animation of Mickey Shorts that came out back in the day. It's a new story where Mickey and Minnie want to go on a vacation, and while they’re on their vacation, Goofy comes by with a train and says, “Hey, I want to join you.” Then chaos ensues because Mickey and Minnie will then have to deal with this runaway train and go through an adventure.

It’s like stepping into the animated world of these Mickey shorts and using amazing technology that I have yet to see in a Disney attraction. There’s very earwormy tune that goes through the whole thing as well, and even the ride system makes it a very fun attraction.

It’s been touted our version here at Disneyland will be a little bit different, so I don't know what that is just yet because I haven't been on the attraction, but that's always exciting.

Mary:

It sounds fun and exciting! It’s iconic that this started with Mickey Mouse, and here we are celebrating with Mickey again for this fun ride. Now, do we know if this is going be a fun ride for all ages?

Jordie:

Absolutely, it's a family-friendly ride. I think the kids will love the animation, but it's hard to describe without giving it away. Obviously, you can look on YouTube and see the ride videos of the one in Florida, but it's just all over the place. There are a lot of unexpected things, just as much as there are a lot of unexpected things in the Mickey Mouse shorts. So, I think adults, kids, families, and whoever will really enjoy it.

Mary:

Yeah, that's good to hear. I'm sure there are a lot of fans that are excited and looking forward to that opening up. I know the epicenter is here for the 100th anniversary, but the other parks are still celebrating. What are some of the other Disney Parks doing to celebrate?

Jordie:

Yeah, while Disney World will also take part in the celebration, there aren't any specific things that come to mind right now, or they haven't been announced. What I think will probably happen is much of the same that's happening at Disneyland Resort with new merchandise, food, and beverage opportunities.

While they won't consider it a part of the celebration, Walt Disney World will debut their version of the TRON Lightcycle coaster later this year, which is an attraction that debuted at Shanghai Disney Resort or Shanghai Disneyland in China. So we're getting a transplant of another attraction that was at another park here stateside. That's an exciting thing that's debuting later this year at Walt Disney World. I’m sure the other international parks will do their own specific things as well, but not as big as the home base of the celebration, which Disney keeps on saying will be here in California.

Mary:

All very exciting. Now, I know we're celebrating Disney's 100th anniversary, but they're not the only theme park with exciting news, and I know you're a lover of theme parks.

Universal Studios Hollywood is opening Super Nintendo World on February 17. Can you tell us a little bit about it, or do you have any info on that one?

Jordie:

Yeah. So, with another theme park here in California debuting an entirely new land, I think that is going to start the summer theme park wars, if you will. Yes, Super Nintendo World will be opening in February. It will include 1 attraction, 1 restaurant, and 1 store. There’s already been a soft open, and you can probably see people's videos and reactions to all the things there on social media.

Once again, like all theme parks do, it takes something that only existed in video game form, or in a book or a movie, and turned it into real life. So you have the world of Super Nintendo, and Mario, Luigi, and Waluigi, my personal favorite.

You'll be able to meet them and actually be able to go in a Mario Kart and throw shells, race, go on the Rainbow Road, and play this game in a theme park attraction. We have another very interactive theme park land that I think is going to be a hit with everyone because Nintendo is such a generational brand, and it's immersive in the sense that they created a full land out of it. It's going to be exciting.

Mary:

That does sound exciting. I remember getting my first Nintendo for Christmas when it first came out and playing Nintendo 64, Super Nintendo, whatever it was that came out. Now my son has a Switch and Mario Kart.

Jordie:

You'll need to go.

Mary:

I think you're calling it with the theme park wars. What are some of the other theme parks across the country doing? Any other exciting news, new rides, or attractions that people should know about?

Jordie:

Off the top of my head, those are the major ones that I can think of right now. California will be the epicenter of the summer 2023 family vacations. Between Super Nintendo World at Universal, Disneyland Resort and the Disney 100 celebration, as well as the theme parks we should also mention are here in California, like Knotts Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain, we have a lot to celebrate and to take part in this summer here in California.

Mary:

Very exciting for locals and visitors. It's like, get your trips planned now because it will be a summer war with all those theme parks, all their exciting new offerings, and the things that they're doing. And for our members going into our branch offices and getting those discounted tickets as often as you can because we know with new theme parks, new attractions, or new things that are going on, the prices will probably be up. It’s a good time to save in the branch office and get those tickets now.

Jordie:

It helps to be a AAA member.

Mary:

It sure does. Now, how did you get interested in theme parks to begin with? I mean, you certainly know a lot about them. I know that you're a Disney lover, but also a lover of all theme parks. Tell us about it.

Jordie:

I think it started with my parents. I have weird early memories, these flashes of early in life, of me being put in a stroller and not riding anything, but just wanting to be at Disneyland. I don't recall the earliest memory, but I think I was 2 or something when they had first taken me because my parents were big Disney Parks fans. Their honeymoon was at Disney World back in the ‘70s. Correct me if I'm wrong, mom or dad, who are AAA members as well! I think I was already overcome by a world within a world at an early age. I think a lot of people think about theme parks as places to escape to.

It's a good thing to know that you can disappear from your real life and step into this other life for a while. But again, what a lot of theme parks are are visceral experiences, of you experiencing stories which allow you to be more of yourself, if that makes any sense. I didn't know this back when I was 2 in the stroller, but over time, I think you realize that these places are for you to bring your real life in, to project onto these characters and worlds that you've seen in different places or have not seen, and allow you to just be. And to have fun with friends, family, and total strangers that you'll meet who maybe will become your friends or family.

The theme park community is also super special to me. So yeah, it has been a long journey of just being able to visit many theme parks in my life. The story is the same, you get to experience these fun places with people and rarely do I ever take that for granted. These theme parks are a very important American institutions, just institutions in general.

Mary:

They are fun. They certainly are a great place to make memories and experience something together as a family or with other people, strangers.

Jordie:

Or even by yourself. I went to college just down the street from Disneyland, and during my breaks between classes or even after class, I would just go to Disneyland and people watch by myself. It was a lot of fun. Grab lunch, see the couple arguing, the baby crying, and you don't have to wait in long lines because of the single rider lines. They're great. They're great for everybody.

Mary:

That's a great place for us to take a break here. We're going to come back in just a moment and we're going to hear some of your tips on making the most of your theme park dollars before we wrap it up today.

Welcome back to Traveling With AAA. I'm your host, Mary Herendeen, and I'm joined by Jordie Poblete, who is talking to us about Disney, what they’re doing to celebrate their 100th anniversary, and other theme parks in general.

One of the things I think all of us can relate to is the expense at theme parks. We want to make the most of it, pick up a few things, walk away with those tchotchkes or that memorabilia, but also do so in a way that's cost effective or more affordable. What tips do you have, Jordie?

Jordie:

There are quite a bit that come to mind, but I think it goes without saying that going to a theme park and having a vacation to one or a resort means that money will be spent. So just with that preface, there certainly are a lot of ways to save. Like anything else, these are vacations and people save up a lot to be able to go on them. I would certainly think it would be a good thing to go to these things on a budget, but know that you will spend money because coming out of the pandemic, inflation, and everything that you've seen in the news does make things expensive.

With that said, whether it's the Disney 100 celebration at Disneyland, Super Nintendo World at Universal, or wherever you're going this summer, really do your research online. There are discounted tickets as you had said, Mary, here at AAA. If you're a SoCal local, Disneyland has specific tickets and discounted tickets for you as a Southern California resident. The other theme parks have similar, or if not, the same deals as well. Do your research, make sure you know already what you want, and just see what deals are online.

The other thing that I would recommend is trying to find people like me, if that makes any sense. I'm not tooting my own horn here, but I certainly think that finding people who know these things is super important as well. They are already doing most of the work, like reporting and sharing on their social media, or writing stories for publications, and what have you. So why not go to them, you know? Why not shoot them a tweet or email them and ask what the best ways to save might be because these are thought leaders. So yeah, trust your thought leaders.

The last thing I'll say is an important part is knowing what you want when you get there. It’s simple budgeting. I'm sure families and individuals alike already think about what they're going to spend. I think helps to keep to a budget, know what to spend on and what not to spend on. So even though you may really want this Disney 100 brownie or this Level Up power band at Super Nintendo World—which will allow you to collect these coins—try to juxtapose it against what you've already spent or what you're wanting to spend and keep to it.

I think if you are able to create a budget and keep to it on vacation, that will hopefully allow you to be able to go on that next vacation because you are spending less, or spending within your means. That might actually allow you to go on another vacation within the year, or maybe the next year and do the same thing.

So, not everything is worth it, but I think being responsible and knowing where your money is going and understanding that theme parks will exist for a while. These products will probably end up on eBay, so you can probably buy them on eBay for way cheaper. If you are a person who wants to have fun, a responsible kind of fun when it comes to these sometimes pricey vacations, I think that will probably work out for you.

Mary:

I have a friend who just sent me a link to a shop in Anaheim near Disneyland, I think it's called Thriftyland, and it's where they pick up everyone's discarded ears and all these things. It's like new or gently used, slightly used memorabilia and apparel, things like that. I just saw it the other day, and when you were mentioning eBay, I'm like, “Oh, or at thrift store!”

Jordie:

No, I agree with you. Especially the thrift stores in and around Anaheim. I've found some stuff that was at the parks. I vividly remember that there were popcorn buckets that were maybe 30-35 bucks, and then I see it at this Goodwill in Anaheim for like 6 bucks.

Mary:

Oh, what fun for collectors. I'm sure they already know though, research and check your experts, right?

Jordie:

Right, but there you go, to save on your vacation, just step away from the theme park for a bit and go to your local thrift shop.

Mary:

Yeah, I love it. Now, are reservations necessary?

Jordie:

Yes, for Disneyland, not for Universal. For Disneyland specifically, yes you do. But I think you do have to pay for your tickets ahead of time for Universal to be able to do that and still have access.

Mary:

All right, gone are the days of impulsive, spur the moment trips over to Disneyland. You got to make your reservations. Yeah, and I think some of the other theme parks as well.

Jordie:

Just another thing, if I get that wrong, please just check ahead. Just a note on the reservation system as well, a lot of people think it's an inconvenience, but when you really think about it, would you rather have a system where attendance goes unchecked? I remember Disneyland before the reservation systems, with overcrowding where you'd be waiting pretty much all day.

Mary:

A disappointing experience.

Jordie:

A disappointing experience, so it does help to plan ahead to know when you're going to go. It really does make the guest experience a lot better when you know that these reservation systems are in place.

Mary:

It's a good point. It's a great tip, but maybe not your most important tip. Will you finally leave us with what your most important tip is for visiting a theme park?

Jordie:

Oh, that's a deep one. I think the cardinal rule for me would just be have fun. It's simple, but something you forget in the planning, in the lead up, and even when you're there, you want to hit everything, but there seems to always be something distracting when you go to a theme park. Whatever those things may be, I would recommend to just set all of that aside this summer and know that you had saved a lot of money to be there by yourself, or with your family or your friends, and you're just there to have a good time.

Mary:

I love it.

Jordie:

So, just remember to have fun because after 3 years of being locked up and not enjoying these communal experiences, we're back and we're here to have a good time. So, just have fun out there.

Mary:

Certainly. For those of us who missed all that fun, it’s a good tip to be present while we do it.

Jordie Poblete of DisneyExaminer.com, thank you so much for being with us here today. We've appreciated it. It's nice to have you back.

And thank you to our listeners for being with us. If you're planning a trip, be sure to connect with a AAA travel advisor, check out aaa.com/travel, or visit your local branch. If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe. I'm Mary Herendeen, thank you for traveling with AAA.