Let the Memories Begin

Were you able to catch the live broadcast from NYC? I missed the first few minutes, as the Disney Parks site seemed to be overloaded (found a link on another site). The main event was the announcement of the 2011 Disney Parks campaign: Let the Memories Begin. It's a nice phrase...a sweet sentiment...but what does it really mean for guests?

Honestly? Not much. Nobody's getting free admission--as in the What Will You Celebrate? and Give a Day, Get a Disney Day campaigns. And you won't have the chance to win a night in Cinderella's Castle or even a special FastPass as you did with The Year of a Million Dreams. Nope, in 2011, Disney is going to let you share your vacation memories--in photos and videos. Are you as underwhelmed as I am?

Sure, it's a neat concept. On most evenings, Disney will be projecting guest photos and videos onto Cinderella's Castle at Walt Disney World and It's a Small World in Disneyland. Some of those photos/videos will have been taken that day of guests who are currently visiting the Parks. Others will have been submitted by guests online. Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs calls it "one of the most personal...innovative" things they've ever done.

I guess so...but still...a bit of a let down.

There were other highlights from the press event. For starters Tom Bergeron was pretty funny (and candid) as the host. And there were the lovely moments that Michael J. Fox spent sharing his family's own special Disney vacation moments. And Chairman Staggs did give a few updates (that most Disneyphiles are already aware of) on the upcoming Ariel's Undersea Adventure attraction, the changes for Star Tours, the Aulani Resort in Hawaii, new ships and itineraries for Disney Cruise Line, and Adventure by Disney. And then Broadway star Montego Glover, who got her start singing in the Lion King show, shared a song that seemed written for just this occasion! Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy made their entrance and the event came to a quick end.

That's pretty much it. A bit of a snoozer, really. If you'd like to check out the new site or upload a photo, video, or even a story of your Disney vacation, click here. It's a lovely site, really. I was just hoping for something...well...more.