Dreaming Disney – AllEars.Net

Recently because of a friend’s question I had to think through again where to start for planning a Disney vacation.  My first step is to always order the free planning video.  Now part of the reason for that to be first is it takes time to get it in the mailbox.  The second thing I tell someone to do is go visit www.AllEars.Net. 

I really like “free” and AllEars is the best comprehensive free online source I have found for the Walt Disney World Resort.  Well actually like most good things, my wife found it.  AllEars for Walt Disney World has pictures and comprehensive information on accommodations, dining, attractions, and more.  If I have a question about ride vehicles, dieteary issues or anything I can think of as friends ask me their strangest questions, I go to AllEars.  Additionally there are blogs that contributors provide on a variety of Disney topics.  We have used this site to help us determine where our family would  stay when Disney Adjacent, flipping through pictures to determine room layouts.  And my wife and I have spent hours using the menus to determine where we were going to eat on our next visit.  We have found the Rate and Review sections highly valuable as we read the reactions of other guests to hotel rooms and meals.  In short, the least prepared I ever have been visiting Walt Disney World was when I did not know AllEars existed.  Now as a caveat, the site is not as comprehensive about the Disneyland Resort, but its menus and dining information are still some of the best I have seen for California.  In fact, I have seen phone applications for Disneyland drawing directly from AllEars.  So even programmers know AllEars is your go to site! 

Now along with the site itself they also offer an email weekly newsletter that has news updates, tips and typically a main feature on food, history, and more in the Disney parks.  Honestly, I really enjoy getting this glimpse of Disney in my Inbox every week. 

So how does this impact my life beyond vacation planning?  Well late at night my wife has caught me with the lights off in the office as I star  at 'Ohana’s menu.  After a few awkward moments she may join me.  To be honest I look at this site a few times a week even if I do not have a trip planned.  And at work I get asked questions all the time, and if that question is about food or hotels, I teach a man to fish by taking them to www.AllEars.Net. 

How do you use AllEars Between Disney?

Dreaming Disney: Window Shopping at DesignerLand

Personally I believe, sadly, that a big part of the Disney park experience is shopping.  On my last trip to Disneyland I spent quite a bit of time in The Emporium.  On my last night as the park closed I stalled by strolling through it one last time so I could stay in Walt’s park for a few extra moments.  You simply cannot escape it, shopping at Disney is an important part of any trip. 

Now, shopping at Disney can at times also be disappointing.  Me, I’m looking for unique items especially books and t-shirts.  While I have way too many t-shirts if I can find one that makes a statement other than, “mass-produced souvenir t-shirt” there is a good chance I will grab it.  And those kinds of shirts are not always easy to find.  Luckily I stumbled on a solution to reproduce window shopping at home online.  Fortunately window shopping is cheaper than real shopping.  And this faux shopping has the sort of items I’m looking for. 

My favorite fake shopping website is http://disneydesignerland.blogspot.com/.  DesignerLand is the shirts I wish Disney sold.  They are shirts that playfully play up on Disney themes and attractions.  And they are smarter than any [insert year here] t-shirt you will find in the theme parks.  And the designs are unique and creative.  I have seen Richard, the creative genius behind the site say his designs are “kitsch niche.”  I’m not cool enough to use the word kitsch, but if it’s a niche its one where smart Disney fans hangout.  When I see on twitter that DesignerLand has a new posting, I run to it as quick as I can so I can dream about tees I will never buy and never wear. 

I cannot say that is totally true.  Now many of the featured designs can ever be sold, at least without Disney permission, due to copyright issues.  But Richard did sell one of my favorite designs, the Dole Pineapple Whip shirt.  And I still have my fingers crossed that one or more of the faux real estate/land development companies for the Walt Disney World Resort will become available for purchase.    How awesome would it be to be wearing your Ayefour Corp shirt, have it catch someone’s attention and then get the knowing nod.  Yes my friend, you are a fellow Disney Dork! 

Along with shirt designs studies in Disney typography and colors are regular features.  While these do not get me as excited as shirt designs, mostly due to my lack of creativity, they are well researched and help even a blockhead like me better understand design.     

So, just because you are not in a Disney park doesn’t mean you can’t get your fill of Disney shopping…even if it’s not real.  All you need to Disney window shop is a working browser!