Disney World PF Gathering and Tips for Disney Mania!

[ZapperZ]

Did http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/02/23/whitler123.xml"? I hate to say it, but they look rather good.

Oy vey!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Ratatouille wins the Best Animated Feature Oscar!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Greetings from the Most Magical Place On Earth!

We arrived yesterday, and are staying at the DVC villas at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Only one word to describe this resort and our room - SPECTACULAR!

Just to give you an idea, this is what we see from the balcony of our room.

If you have a chance at staying at this resort, grab it with both hands! You won't be sorry. Ask for the savanna view room. You pay a bit more, but it is well worth it.

The only drawback here is that we tend to stay too much in our room so far and not enough time at the theme parks! :)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

This past March 1st, we attended the Pirate and Princess Party at The Magic Kingdom. It was a spectacular event, mainly because we could get on any attraction that evening with hardly any wait. We also had treasure hunts and characters meet-and-greet. But what made it even more spectacular was the fireworks show that evening titled Music, Magic and Mayhem. It was an awesome show.

We, of course, videotaped the complete fireworks. There are 2 versions of this video:

1. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-157754250747402040&hl=en" - the live sound has been replaced by the actual music that was used to accompany the fireworks.

2. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2383200191746349448&hl=en" - same as above, but with the actual live audio.

What can't be seen in the video is the "perimeter" fireworks. At various points during the show, there are fireworks along both sides of Main Street, so that one is almost surrounded by the fireworks.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Someone just sent me a picture that he took at Tokyo Disneyland (thanks, Kai!). It's hysterical. :)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney welcomes the birth of a http://www.local6.com/news/15587362/detail.html" at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

The first Hartmann's Mountain zebra ever born at the Walt Disney World resort is named Kidani, according to Disney officials. Kidani currently weighs about 65 pounds and stands just over 3 feet tall. The zebra could reach 800 pounds when it becomes an adult.

Also, a female baby giraffe named Makena was born at Animal Kingdom. At birth, Makena, which means "Happy One," weighed 118 pounds and stood just under 6 feet tall. Makena is the first calf for her mother, who was also born at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

It seems that both of them will eventually be on display at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, which was where I stayed on this last trip, and which is where I will try to stay for the December trip. So I'm hoping the babies will be out and about in December. So, for anyone thinking of joining us for our unofficial PF Gathering at WDW, you might want to consider the AKL savanna view room! :)

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Someone just sent me a picture that he took at Tokyo Disneyland (thanks, Kai!). It's hysterical. :)

Zz.

That's hilarious! Somehow I missed noticing there were recent updates in this thread.

 

[ZapperZ]

Since this is technically St. Patrick's Day, here's a Muppet's tribute by performing the good ole "O' Danny Boy". If you don't find this hilarious, check your pulse! :)



Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Seth Stevenson at Slate.com is in the middle of a series of "trip reports" to Walt Disney World. Unlike my trip reports (which typically gush over everything Disney), his reports have a certain "edge" to them, and I think he looks at the whole thing with a healthy dose of skepticism.

I'm guessing that for someone who either does not care for, or is ambivalent towards, Disney theme parks, these reports would be the ones to read.

http://www.slate.com/id/2187177/entry/2187178/"
http://www.slate.com/id/2187177/entry/2187179/"
http://www.slate.com/id/2187177/entry/2187180/"

Zz.

 

[GeorginaS]

Okay, The Swedish Chef, Animal, and Beaker singing Danny Boy was beyond funny. I'll give it that.

 

[ZapperZ]

Okay, The Swedish Chef, Animal, and Beaker singing Danny Boy was beyond funny. I'll give it that.

Oh good! Phew!

For a while there, I thought I was the only one who found it wildly amusing! :)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Continuing with the "theme" of not having any "gushing" trip report, how about this one? Here's a trip report with the title "http://blog.nj.com/parentalguidance/2008/03/disneyspringbreak.html" ".

:)

My philosophy has always been that you don't force people to like it, because they won't. And if you go there at the height of summer, with the heat and the crowd, then you only have yourself to blame for the heat and the crowd! :)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

I love it when Disney and Physics/Mathematics meet. :)

If you are in the Syracuse, NY area, and you're not doing anything tonight, http://www.syracuse.com/articles/news/index.ssf?/base/news-10/120686746777630.xml&coll=1".

A scientist from Walt Disney's Pixar Animation Studios will talk about "Math in the Movies" on Thursday at Hamilton College. Tony DeRose, who heads the research group at Pixar, has a bachelor's degree in physics and a Ph.D. in computer science. He will speak at 7:30 p.m. in the college chapel.

Bachelor's degree in physics, and a Ph.D in computer science? Hum.. there's a career path there! :)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

World Science Festival

The http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/" will take place in New York City from March 28 to June 1, 2008. Headed by Brian Greene, this promises to be an exciting festival celebrating the achievement and the importance of science.

So what does this have anything to do with Disney, you ask? Good question! :)

The Walt Disney Imagineering is one of the Media Partners for this event. Furthermore, there will also be http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/2008-festival/events/all-events/the-science-of-imagination" on how science is intimately involved in things they come up with for the Disney theme parks.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

I love it when Disney and Physics/Mathematics meet. :)

If you are in the Syracuse, NY area, and you're not doing anything tonight, http://www.syracuse.com/articles/news/index.ssf?/base/news-10/120686746777630.xml&coll=1".



Bachelor's degree in physics, and a Ph.D in computer science? Hum.. there's a career path there! :)

Zz.

Here's http://www.hamilton.edu/news/more_news/display.cfm?ID=13800".

In fact, animators at Pixar have specifically rejected putting the constraints of real physics on their work, so that characters may do the impossible (such as changing their volume when they move) to create a better visual effect. DeRose pointed out that in the movies, "physics is really just a starting point" because animators seek a greater sense of "realism" or "visual quality" (ironically, considering physics is a more accurate representation of reality; however, it may not be perceived as such).

The limitations of physics are especially apparent in the case of lighting animated scenes. DeRose demonstrated the advanced differential equations needed to model light sources, since light in reality is expected to scatter off reflective surfaces, greatly complicating calculations. To deal with this problem, DeRose described how computer programs break lines in a model into numerous tiny segments, for each of which a new equation can be created to describe reflection. The result is a system of 10 million equations that is solved using a computer to generate the realistic light effects seen in animated films.

Not only that, there appears to be a huge amount of math involved in such computer animation.

Zz.

 

[Math Is Hard]

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez joins the Mickey Mouse Club:

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Venezuela-President-Hugo-Chavez-northeastern-Brazil/photo//080328/ids_photos_wl/r2237890389.jpg/;_ylt=ApqSyS9Gh0TeQnLzyPnZq8YDW7oF

 

[ZapperZ]

Hahahahahah!

Good grief! That is so funny! Thanks for finding it, MIH! :)

Zz.

 

[Math Is Hard]

Hahahahahah!

Good grief! That is so funny! Thanks for finding it, MIH! :)

Zz.

You are most welcome! That photo is a gem.

 

[Moonbear]

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez joins the Mickey Mouse Club:

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Venezuela-President-Hugo-Chavez-northeastern-Brazil/photo//080328/ids_photos_wl/r2237890389.jpg/;_ylt=ApqSyS9Gh0TeQnLzyPnZq8YDW7oF

That's NOT what I was expecting when I opened the link.

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney's Hollywood Studio's "Tower of Terror" voted as http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2008/04/disneys-hollywo.html" . This was not a scientific poll since it was voted online by theme park enthusiasts. Still, it got more votes, in a close final face-off vote, than Island of Adventures' "Spiderman" rollercoaster ride.

I'm not surprised. ToT is my most favorite attraction in all of WDW. It is more than just a ride. The set-up leading up to the ride itself is a classic, and the storyline is done extremely well. Certainly not an attraction to be missed.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Tomorrow, April 22, 2008, marks the http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2008/4/20/disney39s_animal_kingdom_to_celebrate_10th_anniversary.html" . Of course, there are celebrations (and pins) to mark the occasion. Unfortunately, I will miss it by slightly more than a week. :(

The park has certainly evolved, especially in its identity (it is Notahzu!). With the opening of Expedition Everest a couple of years ago, it is now a full-day destination, even when it typically closes by 6:00 pm every day.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney had selected its first ever http://www.dreamcmo.com/" out of thousands of contestants from Disney fans.

Too bad https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=1566162&postcount=3038" did not make it. He certainly had the most hilarious video submission. It was probably disqualified for being too long and too ornery. :)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

I guess if you have to lose something, the best place to lose it is at one of Disney's resorts. This is a story of http://www.magicalmountain.net/WDWNewsDetail.asp?NewsID=1875" and rummaged through the garbage to find a couple's lost wedding ring. One could easily say that this isn't a common thing and not done normally. However, having been there many, many times, I can say with first hand knowledge that this occurs more often than you expect. Many Disney Cast Members go beyond the call of duty, and a significant portion of them truly enjoy what they do and the "magic" that they have been entrusted to convey.

If you go there and pay attention, especially to the details, you'll see it.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Are audiences ready for Wall-E?

That's the question that many are asking, especially the "suits" who worry about money. Wall-E is the upcoming Disney/Pixar release that will be out in the theater this June. The creative aspect of Pixar is at work again with this movie. After they have tackled having a rat cooking up a storm in Ratatouille, this time they will create http://www.film.com/movies/story/audiences-ready-wall-e-robot/11597472/20516954"!

So, the question in everyone's mind is, will the kids stay interested in the movie for that long that has no dialog, and will the adults be captivated by it? Either way, this is another example that Pixar isn't simply going about the business with the same old formula, and that they will continue to take risks in their storytelling. I can't wait to go see this one.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Nine Old Men Remembered

With the recent passing of Olie Johnston, the era of Walt's Nine Old Men have passed by us. He was the last of the legendary group of animators who worked alongside Walt in creating the Disney animation, movies, and image that we associate with the Walt Disney Company. In fact, many of the current animators today credited these men as being their mentors and inspiration.

This article from the Disney Insider http://disney.go.com/inside/mainattraction/080429/index.html" and their brilliant contribution to the Disney animation.

I'm leaving to WDW tonight! :)

Zz.

 

[neutrino]

Disney World in 3D for Google Earth

 

[ZapperZ]

Toy Story Mania is set to open at the end of this month in both Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, and Disney's California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort. This attraction has been under preview by cast members and annual passholder/DVC members these past few weeks. So far the reviews have been tremendous.

Here are http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-664.asp" . It looks like a winner. It could certainly be an "E-ticket" type attraction at DHS, which severely needs another one beyond just the Tower of Terror and Rock 'n rollercoaster.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Airlines baggage fee causing headaches with DME

The new fees imposed by some airlines for checked baggage is causing some http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2008/5/30/airline_bag_fees_causing_problems_for_disney_dropoff_service.html" . DME, as you recall, is a service for guests staying at a Walt Disney World resort where your luggage are picked up at the airport and deposited in your resort room, while you are bussed from the airport to your resort. Similarly, when you depart, you check your luggage at your resort (for airlines that are participating in the program) and take the DME bus back to the airport without having to worry about your luggage till you get to your destination airport.

With the fee imposed by airlines such as American Airlines, which charges even for a single checked luggage, the check-in process at the resort for guests returning home is creating problems.

With airlines charging by the bag, Disney did not have a way to collect money and give it to the airline when they drop the bags off at Orlando International Airport.

I'm sure Disney will do all it can to have such a fee waived for their guests.

This fee for even one checked luggage is stupid. I know they are hurting for money with the fuel prices the way it is. One can even understand if they raise the airfare. In fact, I'd rather them do that rather than nickle-and-diming the customers like this. It'll only annoy their existing customer base and chase them to other airlines.

Luckily, my favorite domestic airline, Southwest, hasn't changed any of their luggage policy as of yet. They'll still let you check a maximum of 2 luggages, which can be important for me since I sometime fly back from WDW with 2 bags, even though I fly in with just one. :)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Science of Disney Imagineering

All this week, the first ever http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/" will be presented at 10:00 am at NYU.

This is your chance to find out all the answers, plus interact with Lucky the Dinosaur, ask Finding Nemo's Crush questions, and of course, meet the Imagineers, the scientists and engineers of Walt Disney Imagineering. Get a glimpse of "make-believe" Disney style as the scientists pull back the curtain to reveal some of the chemistry, physics, biology and technology behind special effects, roller coasters, computer simulation, and animatronics!

Unfortunately, it says here that this event is sold out. Figures!

Wish I could go...

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Here's the http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/31/the-world-science-festival-behind-disneys-magic/?hp" of the Science of Disney Imagineering from the World Science Festival.

Audience members could also see how live human beings provide the movements and gestures for animated characters like skeleton pirates. Other volunteers took an elephant-sized G.P.S. tracking device and trekked out to Washington Square Park, while the audience tracked their movements via satellite.

What was great about these demonstrations is that they showed kids that sometimes science can be used to produce the things they love — wild rides, engaging stories, beautiful art and more.

It looks like Lucky the Dinosaur came back from... er... Hong Kong Disneyland (?) to make an appearance at the festival. I last saw Lucky about 2 years ago at Disney's Animal Kingdom. I wish they bring her back!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney World in 3D for Google Earth

As neutrino pointed out earlier, http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2008/06/disney_world_in_3d_in_google_earth.html" in full force!

It is pretty amazing. If you click on the floating Mickey Ears above some of the attraction, you get the actual ride video! It's almost like being there... almost! :)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Walt Disney World Top 7 Must-See

When you stay at a Walt Disney World resort, one of the TV channels you get in your hotel room is a channel dedicated to the WDW theme park info. And one of the shows that you get to see often (it loops every half-hour, I think) is something titled "Walt Disney World Top 7 Must-See". Strangely enough, I think the one I remember was way back from 2004 and I don't recall seeing a new one during the last few trips.

In any case, even if it is a bit outdated, it was still a rather fun show to watch, at least once. Luckily, the video has been "preserved" online on Google Video, and you can http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2726151869110888249" .

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Wall-E

June 27 is the opening of Wall-E, the new Disney-Pixar movies. Advanced sneak preview of it by media rep. have leaked out glowing, GLOWING, reviews. It certainly is a huge risk by Pixar because this movie almost has no dialog!

Trailers for this movie have also been amazing. Check them out if you've missed them.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7207316459726117638&q=wall-e&ei=RoBOSJ6AJZyO4wLO6czBDA

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5888830601265626440&q=wall-e&ei=UIFOSNG6MJfA4AL3j_CzDA

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8946121817148405520&q=wall-e&ei=dIFOSLr-F4Wc4gKP7KDHDA

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

I often wish that I'm talented enough, or creative enough, to write a trip report as brilliantly as this one, but I'm not. Still, this has got to be the http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/2008/06/disneyland.html" that I've ever come across. It's hysterical! You know you're in for a trip (pun intended) when it starts off with this:

My wife and I went to Disneyland. Since becoming an adult this was the first time I was ever there without kids or a joint.

:)

(Thanks to John Frost at The Disney Blog for finding it)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Dance Off With the Star Wars Stars 2008

OK folks! Don't miss this video because it is ridiculously funny. This was part of the events they held during the Star Wars Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. It's hysterical!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5928092536833840917

Chewbacca did moves I didn't know he could. But no one can top Darth Vader!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney Park's YouTube Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/disneyparks

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

OK, this is all Greg's fault for providing such features on the new-and-improved PF. :)

This is a fascinating video which is the first in the series of Fact or Fiction. This time, they talk about the "Tunnels" around the Magic Kingdom.

1FFoLJjHICU[/youtube] Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Saw Wall-E last night! Holy Cow! That $7.2 billion Disney paid for Pixar is the best thing they've ever done! This movie has more heart than most of the movies out there.

While I think Ratatouille was more "intelligent", Wall-E isn't lacking in its ability to make us care for it, even if it nothing more than a fancy trash compactor. And if you're a Mac user, you'll love it even more!

Go see it!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Here's an interesting piece of information. The person responsible for some of the most memorable sounds in the movies, ranging from Darth Vader's breathing, R2D2 chirping, the sound of the light saber, Indiana Jones whips, and now, the sound made by Wall-E, had a physics degree! :)

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/06/29/PKA711B9NF.DTL&feed=rss.entertainment" was the person responsible for producing all those sounds, and he graduated with an undergraduate degree in physics before going into the movies.

A native of Syracuse, N.Y., Burtt never planned to be in the film industry. He got a degree in physics from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania and wanted to be in the space program, but a small film he made won an award that led to a scholarship to film school at the University of Southern California.

"I was going to go back and be a scientist, I guess, but then I got an offer to work on this film called 'The Star Wars,' " Burtt says. "George Lucas was looking for a student-type USC grad who was cheap and he could train. I was paid $150 per week, which at the time was huge money."

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

New Baby Elephant

First http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/business_tourism_aviation/2008/07/first-photo-new.html" at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Everyone say "Awwwww..."

They have had a few of these so far there.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Happy 4th of July Independence Day!

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/1950/img1089vl3.jpg

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Another item to commemorate the 4th of July. This is the Muppets version of http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8056872432507540534" . Enjoy!

Zz.

 

[GeorginaS]

First http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/business_tourism_aviation/2008/07/first-photo-new.html" at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Everyone say "Awwwww..."

They have had a few of these so far there.

Zz.

Awwwww.

 

[ZapperZ]

Wall-E for President?

It isn't often that a Disney-Pixar movie gets mixed in with presidential politics (in fact, I don't remember when it has ever happened before), but that is exactly what happened in this http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/06/o...173ef9c83edf1&ex=1215576000&pagewanted=print".

Mr. McCain should be required to see “Wall-E” to learn just how far adrift he is from an America whose economic fears cannot be remedied by his flip-flop embrace of the Bush tax cuts (for the wealthy) and his sham gas-tax holiday (for everyone else). Mr. Obama should see it to be reminded of just how bold his vision of change had been before he settled into a front-runner’s complacency. Americans should see it to appreciate just how much things are out of joint on an Independence Day when a cartoon robot evokes America’s patriotic ideals with more conviction than either of the men who would be president.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Do you, your pets, or any of your farm animals, have a birthmark that looks like a Mickey Mouse head? If you do, I'd like to sell you to Disney. :)

This couple has http://www.wiscnews.com/bnr/news/296059" . The pig happens to have a birthmark that resembles Mickey's head. See the second picture in the news article for a better view.

I think Disney should buy the pig and let it live with the rest of the turkeys that the President has pardoned over the years.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

There is still a weak possibility of an unofficial PF Gathering at Walt Disney World this coming December. :)

In the remote chance that someone might want to come along, the range of dates that we currently have is between Dec. 10 to Dec. 17. Note that Dec. 15 onwards is the start of their "high" season for Disney where resort prices tend to be higher and the parks tend to be busier.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney has released the http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/princessandthefrog/". This is the first Disney hand-drawn animation in a gazillion years!

OK, so it isn't that long, but it feels like it has been forever that we have seen hand-drawn animation from Disney. I like digital animation like anyone else, but looking at the trailer, there's just something charming and "warm" about the picture.

Now, if only they can overcome the initial controversy surrounding the storyline, this could be a good revival to hand-drawn animation at Disney.

bQ25UWjn7Rs[/youtube] Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

While Wall-E is still going strong at the Box Office, we now have http://www.film.com/movies/story/pixar-looks-lift-us-up/11597472/22495030" for "Up", which will be Pixar's next release.

Up tells the story of Carl, an elderly widower who attaches balloons to his house and floats away to have the grand adventure he never got to share with his wife, and to escape being sent to a nursing home. I'm sure Carl will have plenty of important life lessons to share with Russell, his young stowaway, but I'm looking forward to the humor of watching this old grouch outsmart the nursing home goons.

No one is betting against this not continuing Pixar's string of hits.

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

There is still a weak possibility of an unofficial PF Gathering at Walt Disney World this coming December. :)

In the remote chance that someone might want to come along, the range of dates that we currently have is between Dec. 10 to Dec. 17. Note that Dec. 15 onwards is the start of their "high" season for Disney where resort prices tend to be higher and the parks tend to be busier.

Zz.

It figures, since now it's unlikely I can get there before Dec. 13 or 14. I wanted to get there while it was still the "off season" and rooms were more affordable...and available. Drat, now that I'm teaching, I have the same breaks as the students do, which means everything will be more expensive.

 

[ZapperZ]

It figures, since now it's unlikely I can get there before Dec. 13 or 14. I wanted to get there while it was still the "off season" and rooms were more affordable...and available. Drat, now that I'm teaching, I have the same breaks as the students do, which means everything will be more expensive.

If you can get in on the 13th, we can still have a lot of fun.

I just checked the dates for http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wd...ckeysVeryMerryChristmasPartySpecialEventPage". It looks like they'll have one on the 14th and the 16th. We do need to buy the tickets early, though, because they do sell out fast.

Zz.