text: If We Can Dream It...: 01/01/2008 - 02/01/2008
  Where-speak Part 2
  Continuing the look at examples of Where-speak on Disney World menus, here are the ones found in Epcot:
  The Firehouse is an often-overlooked location on Main Street USA. While it serves as a shopping destination for firefighter and pet-related gifts, it also features some wonderful turn-of-the-century details in the back of the building.
  Even the penny press machine is themed wonderfully to the area.
  Where-speak
  With the creation of the Year of a Million Dreams (now pluralized in its second year), the creatives at Disney came up with a new language: Where-speak. It has popped up in the commercials, merchandise, tickets - practically any opportunity that presents itself. It provides a fun, unique way to tie different entities together - and takes a refreshing look at existing venues. Examples includes Mickey standing in front of a paparazzi-style crowd that reads "Where everyone screams at the sight of a mouse" or Tinkerbell flying above Cinderella Castle with a burst of fireworks with a caption of "Where the night is as bright as the day."
  This fun theming extends in the full-service restaurants as well, where individual locations are given their own personal message on their menus.
  Here's a look at the menus from Disney's Hollywood Studios, with more to come in the future:
  These clever bathroom signs can be found near the Shark Reef snorkeling area at Typhoon Lagoon. Reading them out loud can give you quite an interesting accent.
  This sign can be found in the Chinatown section of the Streets of America. It's a message from the San Francisco Police Department (as evidenced by the "S.F.P.D." at the bottom), but other than that, I'm at a complete loss as to what it says. Apparently the dog feels the same way...
  The Disney Vacation Club Office at Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa is beautifully decorated to make interested parties feel welcome. These elaborate murals decorate the walls of the waiting room and nicely show how Disney magic can be found around the globe.
  While Disney chose to recreate the Hollywood Brown Derby, instead of the original bowler hat-shaped Wilshire Brown Derby, the infamous head wear can still be seen inside the restaurant as a clever light fixture.
  Lowtide Lou's at Typhoon Lagoon offers towel rentals and quick snacks, but it also has some excellent signage that features barnacle-covered wood and the backside of a boat. It evokes the feeling of wreckage tossed about during the infamous storm that created the water park.
  And speaking of Lou...
  Congratulations to Lou and Deanna for completing this year's WDW 1/2 marathon - and under 3 hours too!
  Today marked the official name change from Disney/MGM Studios to the new Disney's Hollywood Studios. I must admit it is a tad bittersweet, but it gives the rare opportunity to watch an entire park wide transformation. While the signage switch will last into the next couple of months, Disney cast members were hard at work last night to make some important changes, both big and small.
  Of course, the main entrance signage was given the new treatment and unveiled for the first time this morning.
  Some of the changes were a bit more subtle, such as this switch on the security guardhouse by the ABC Commissary.
  Farewell, Disney/MGM Studios, and welcome, Disney's Hollywood Studios!
  This "Door to Nowhere" can be found right around the corner from Mama Melrose's at the Studios, near the meet and greet area for the Toy Story characters. I particularly like the decaying door frame and rusted light switch.
  The Villas at Wilderness Lodge spare no detail when it comes to creating a comfortable rustic setting. These various creatures can be found above your head as you enter into the main area, giving the illusion that the building itself is alive and full of spirit.