On Location where dreams come true

"To all who come to this happy place: welcome." 

These were the words that greeted me as I pulled up to the gates of Walt Disney World yesterday afternoon, spoken by Walt himself as part of a video explaining various features of the park. A lot has changed since Walt first recorded himself welcoming guests into the park, but the spirit of his address - in particular the part about savouring the challenge and promise of the future - still rings true.

Of course, I almost didn't hear it - I was too busy gaping out the window at the colourful, iconic park sign sweeping across the entryway - but there was no missing the moment, which was equal parts momentous and touching. Or, in other words: quintessentially Disney. 

I'm on location this week at the most magical place on Earth, courtesy of Disney Parks & Resorts and Expedia.ca, with the objective of experiencing some of the destination's signature attractions and events with the help of some of its latest technology - including MyMagic+ a great example of the promising potential for the future of travel - which allows guests to customize their vacation with the help of wearable technology and a planning app accessible on their smartphone. 

Throughout the next few days, I'll put FastPass+, MagicBand and MyDisneyExperience.com, an online planning tool, to the test as I explore Disney's parks, including the popular Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and new developments throughout the park.

If you're a Disney specialist and you need a gigantic mouse ear to the ground as you prepare your client getaways for the coming year, feel free to post questions in the comments section below by Friday morning, and I'll make sure to check them out firsthand. 

Check back with PAX for more updates tomorrow. For now, it's time for me to go see the World.