Disney World PF Gathering and Tips for Disney Mania!

[Astronuc]

OK, I officially HATE you! :)

Yeah, I have that effect on people. Oh, btw, I have raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and rhubarb, too.

I don't know what kind of property you have, but blueberries are grown out your way, in Michigan and Wisconsin, and perhaps in the way out 'burbs of Chicago.

Check out - http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG2241.html .

Sounds like you do some herb gardening.

Yeah, this is still the Disney thread.

I am not much into places like Disney or amusement parks for that matter - just too crowded. The only way for me to enjoy a place like that would be heavily drugged. But then my son wants to go there, so I will have grit my teeth and bear it.

I prefer National Parks like Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Bryce, Zion, Badlands, Rocky Mountain - or great rivers like upper Missouri, Snake, Columbia, Colorado, etc.

 

[ZapperZ]

Yeah, I have that effect on people. Oh, btw, I have raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and rhubarb, too.

Well, you can keep the raspberries. Besides the seeds, I just have a problem with eating a "fruit" that is harrier than my face. However, having seen your picture, I suppose you can't say that. :)

Sounds like you do some herb gardening.

Yes, since I use them quite often in my cooking. You can whip out a quick and simple pasta dish very easily when you have fresh herbs.

I am not much into places like Disney or amusement parks for that matter - just too crowded. The only way for me to enjoy a place like that would be heavily drugged. But then my son wants to go there, so I will have grit my teeth and bear it.

I prefer National Parks like Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Bryce, Zion, Badlands, Rocky Mountain - or great rivers like upper Missouri, Snake, Columbia, Colorado, etc.

Ah.. well, I'm a city boy and tend to prefer that than anything else. I've been known to tell people that I don't do camping unless it is catered. :)

There is a trick in going to Disney World. While you cannot avoid the crowds (unless you were as "lucky" as we were last year and go there in between 2 hurricanes), there are certain times of the year in which the crowd can be bearable. You definitely do not want to go during the height of summer/memorial day, and certainly not during the winter holidays at the end of the year. Trust me on this. I've been there when they broke ALL attendence records on 4 consecutive days (Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom were closed for entrance by 3:00 pm since they reached capacity), and even for us Disney veterans, we were still amazed at how jam-packed they were.

The other thing you may try to do is to go there with someone who actually knows the parks <hint, hint>, rather than go there and blindly plow through them with no guidance. I've done both, and it is waaaay more enjoyable when you have someone who knows what to do, where to do it, and when to do it.

Zz [Your unofficial Disney World travel planner]

 

[Astronuc]

Ah.. well, I'm a city boy and tend to prefer that than anything else. I've been known to tell people that I don't do camping unless it is catered. :)

I have lived in small coastal towns of a few hundred people, and I have lived in the suburbs of 2 large cities, Houston (TX) and Melbourne (Australia), with millions. Cities are interesting places to visit, but I prefer to live in the country-side. I am actually a mountain-man at heart. I prefer to see wild animals out there in the wilderness.

The other thing you may try to do is to go there with someone who actually knows the parks <hint, hint>, rather than go there and blindly plow through them with no guidance. I've done both, and it is waaaay more enjoyable when you have someone who knows what to do, where to do it, and when to do it.

Zz [Your unofficial Disney World travel planner]

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. What time of year is best for Disney World - i.e. minimal crowds? I would certainly do it myself in the middle of a hurricane , but I would not subject my family to that.

 

[ZapperZ]

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. What time of year is best for Disney World - i.e. minimal crowds? I would certainly do it myself in the middle of a hurricane , but I would not subject my family to that.

Middle of January till end of February, and after Labor Day till Thanksgiving. The rule of thumb is always to look at when school holidays are, and don't go there during those times. However, if you have school-age kids, that negates the usefulness of that rule.

In addition, since those dates are typically their slow times of the year, not only do you not have large crowds, but you also can get some of the best deals from them in terms of hotels, etc. Practically all of their packages include tickets to the theme parks. So you can save quite a bit of money by going during the slow times.

Zz.

 

[Astronuc]

Middle of January till end of February, and after Labor Day till Thanksgiving. The rule of thumb is always to look at when school holidays are, and don't go there during those times. However, if you have school-age kids, that negates the usefulness of that rule.

That's the problem - my kids are school age. I need to look when they have spring break, which might be better than summer - certainly not as hot or humid.

 

[ZapperZ]

This is more for Astronuc: as you can tell from the picture, you CAN have the park to yourself if you time it right. This is from last year in between two hurricanes and shows the entrance into Frontier Land at Magic Kingdom at 10:00 am in the morning.

Like I said, I almost had the parks all to myself (went on Splash Mountain 5 times that day). However, I don't recommend waiting for the 2-hurricane event again anytime soon. :)

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

I'm getting excited about a PF Disney trip. Look, I even have my mouse ears on! http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/character/1/character47.gif

 

[Evo]

I'm getting excited about a PF Disney trip. Look, I even have my mouse ears on! http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/character/1/character47.gif

That's[/URL] cute! Just don't get within range of your avatar.

 

[Moonbear]

That's cute! Just don't get within range of your avatar.

If I go to Disney, I'll have to disarm the kitty.

 

[Danger]

http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/character/1/character47.gif

[/URL]
Pssssttt... Moonbear... your bra slipped again.

 

[Evo]

If I go to Disney, I'll have to disarm the kitty.

I can just see the headlines now "Mickey Mouse was gunned down over the Labor Day weekend. Witnesses say it appeared to be a shotgun weilding kitten. Police are following up on tips that a hot babe with luxurious golden hair was heard to say "oops" and quickly fled the scene in an RV with what appeared to be large mouse ears and a bazooka on the roof".

 

[Moonbear]

I can just see the headlines now "Mickey Mouse was gunned down over the Labor Day weekend. Witnesses say it appeared to be a shotgun weilding kitten. Police are following up on tips that a hot babe with luxurious golden hair was heard to say "oops" and quickly fled the scene in an RV with what appeared to be large mouse ears and a bazooka on the roof".

Oh, figures, you'd tint the windows so they can't see the getaway driver!

 

[Astronuc]

This is more for Astronuc: as you can tell from the picture, you CAN have the park to yourself if you time it right. This is from last year in between two hurricanes and shows the entrance into Frontier Land at Magic Kingdom at 10:00 am in the morning.

Like I said, I almost had the parks all to myself (went on Splash Mountain 5 times that day). However, I don't recommend waiting for the 2-hurricane event again anytime soon. :)

Zz.

I could handle those kind of crowds.

 

[Integral]

I have lived in small coastal towns of a few hundred people, and I have lived in the suburbs of 2 large cities, Houston (TX) and Melbourne (Australia), with millions. Cities are interesting places to visit, but I prefer to live in the country-side. I am actually a mountain-man at heart. I prefer to see wild animals out there in the wilderness.

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. What time of year is best for Disney World - i.e. minimal crowds? I would certainly do it myself in the middle of a hurricane , but I would not subject my family to that.

Astronuc,
I am just now completing a week in LA doing Disneyland and Universal City. We have been simply walking through most rides, with no, to a very short wait. We also find the weather much better (ie not so hot) as in the summer, and warmer then the winter.

 

[Astronuc]

Astronuc,
I am just now completing a week in LA doing Disneyland and Universal City. We have been simply walking through most rides, with no, to a very short wait. We also find the weather much better (ie not so hot) as in the summer, and warmer then the winter.

Thanks, Integral. I get out to San Diego (just down the highway from LA) quite a lot, and sometimes bring the family. Disneyland is the progenitor of the Disney organization, and it is a classic theme/amusement park. I'll start planning.

 

[ZapperZ]

The Happiest Sight On Earth

Other than seeing family and friends, and seeing a quack beeing booted off PF, to me, this is THE happiest sight on earth!

This is the view one gets driving on one of the major entry points into the Walt Disney World Resort. I drive through this coming from the airport, and each time I feel like a kid again. There is this overwhelming sensation of joy and happiness, and the promise of several days of fun times, and being amused at the smallest, simplest things.

It makes no sense, I know. And I've probably been programmed by the evil Mouse to forever be his slave. But you know what, there is already so much suffering and hatred to go around in this world that I will hang on to the few things I know that brings that much happiness...

Zz.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

APP News General Release: Due to the overwhelming success and health benefits of the "McMousetrap mousewrap", the "carb-friendly Atkins (R) Wrap", and the most successful marketing slogan in history, "Everybody Needs Mouse", the Disney Co. announced today the release of a its newest product to spin off from the so called "critter craze": A new soft drink that comes with proof of spectacular health benefits, and called "The Real Mickey". The drink is available in fine strained form or for you heartier drinkers, with the pulp.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=21807&page=1&pp=15&highlight=mouse

 

[Evo]

Other than seeing family and friends, and seeing a quack beeing booted off PF, to me, this is THE happiest sight on earth!

This is the view one gets driving on one of the major entry points into the Walt Disney World Resort. I drive through this coming from the airport, and each time I feel like a kid again. There is this overwhelming sensation of joy and happiness, and the promise of several days of fun times, and being amused at the smallest, simplest things.

It makes no sense, I know. And I've probably been programmed by the evil Mouse to forever be his slave. But you know what, there is already so much suffering and hatred to go around in this world that I will hang on to the few things I know that brings that much happiness...

Zz.

Aww Zz, you're just a child at heart.

 

[ZapperZ]

Aww Zz, you're just a child at heart.

Or maybe I've just been suckered into buying this whole thing.. :)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

This is a unique view of the "golfball", i.e. Spaceship Earth at Epcot, across the lagoon from the Japanese pavilion at the World Showcase.

Zz.

 

[Astronuc]

I was there back around 1972 or 1973 - it's been so long. Back then the crowds weren't too bad.

They do have some cool stuff, I do admit.

Aww Zz, you're just a child at heart.

That's great! More power to Zz. Stay young at heart.

Some adults forget about the wonders and simple pleasures of childhood.

 

[Moonbear]

I was there back around 1972 or 1973 - it's been so long. Back then the crowds weren't too bad.

That's about the first time I was there. I don't know exactly when, and have absolutely no recollection of that trip, but I just know from the pictures that my sister wasn't born yet and I was old enough to be walking.

Some adults forget about the wonders and simple pleasures of childhood.

There you go, make sure Zz stays simple!

 

[ZapperZ]

There you go, make sure Zz stays simple!

... and just to prove how "simple" I still am (as if that needs proving), here are two pictures of me on one of my most favorite rides at Magic Kindom - the DUMBO ride!

The first picture is from my vintage point waiting in line (with a whole lots of kids) to get onto the ride. Keep in mind that the double seats on this ride are made for two adults!

The second picture is when I'm on the Dumbo ride, having tons of fun!

[Evo, you can tell me to stop if this thread is getting old...]

Zz.

 

[Evo]

... and just to prove how "simple" I still am (as if that needs proving), here are two pictures of me on one of my most favorite rides at Magic Kindom - the DUMBO ride!

The first picture is from my vintage point waiting in line (with a whole lots of kids) to get onto the ride. Keep in mind that the double seats on this ride are made for two adults!

The second picture is when I'm on the Dumbo ride, having tons of fun!

[Evo, you can tell me to stop if this thread is getting old...]

Zz.

The Dumbo ride looks like it's about my speed. I'm enjoying this. No pictures of you, huh? (Ok, now we'll get pictures of Zz (a disembodied hand pointing to an attraction, sneakered feet standing in line, his back (at a distance of 50').

The picture you posted yesterday was very nice.

 

[ZapperZ]

The Dumbo ride looks like it's about my speed. I'm enjoying this. No pictures of you, huh? (Ok, now we'll get pictures of Zz (a disembodied hand pointing to an attraction, sneakered feet standing in line, his back (at a distance of 50').

I may try to "disembody" myself in the pictures, but it will have to be after I get back from the PAC05 conference this week (I'm at O'Hare right now). I can't show you my face because I'm very ugly and everyone that views my picture will turn into a pillar of salt.

As much as I'm looking forward to this conference, I am just giddy and way too excited for my Disney World trip coming up in 2 weeks! (Can't you just tell how skewed my priorities are?)

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

... and just to prove how "simple" I still am (as if that needs proving), here are two pictures of me on one of my most favorite rides at Magic Kindom - the DUMBO ride!

See, now I REALLY have to go with you to Disney! I haven't been on the Dumbo ride since I was a kid. Can't get anyone to go with me, and I don't like standing on lines alone.

When I was at Universal, they had a really fun looking ride based on Jurassic Park that I wanted to go on, but you had to have one child and one adult, and they wouldn't let any adults on without children and vice versa. I probably looked like a pedophile standing around the entrance to the ride for a while watching for any spare kids who wanted to go on the ride (you know, hoping for a family to walk up with three children and only two parents). It's just not fair! I wanted to go on the ride, but didn't have any kids with me!

 

[Moonbear]

As much as I'm looking forward to this conference, I am just giddy and way too excited for my Disney World trip coming up in 2 weeks! (Can't you just tell how skewed my priorities are?)

Nope, your priorities sound just about right.

 

[ZapperZ]

See, now I REALLY have to go with you to Disney! I haven't been on the Dumbo ride since I was a kid. Can't get anyone to go with me, and I don't like standing on lines alone.

Moonbie, I will DEFINITELY go on the Dumbo ride with you. Hell, I've gone on it all by myself. I bet will be a lot of fun riding it with you. I usually have my spinning pinwheel with me when I get on it and it is fun to just watch it spin around in the wind while riding it. [See? I told you I'm just like a kid here]

When I was at Universal, they had a really fun looking ride based on Jurassic Park that I wanted to go on, but you had to have one child and one adult, and they wouldn't let any adults on without children and vice versa. I probably looked like a pedophile standing around the entrance to the ride for a while watching for any spare kids who wanted to go on the ride (you know, hoping for a family to walk up with three children and only two parents). It's just not fair! I wanted to go on the ride, but didn't have any kids with me!

I know exactly which ride you're referring to. It's that flying teradactyle <sp> that you ride around as if you're flying through the forrest, no? I wanted to go on that too and could not for the same reason as yours! You'll never find that kind of a ride at Disney, I tell ya.

Zz.

 

[Evo]

I may try to "disembody" myself in the pictures, but it will have to be after I get back from the PAC05 conference this week (I'm at O'Hare right now). I can't show you my face because I'm very ugly and everyone that views my picture will turn into a pillar of salt.

I somehow doubt that. They wouldn't let you into Disney World.

As much as I'm looking forward to this conference, I am just giddy and way too excited for my Disney World trip coming up in 2 weeks! (Can't you just tell how skewed my priorities are?)

Zz.

Will you be checking in from the conference?

 

[Evo]

Moonbie, I will DEFINITELY go on the Dumbo ride with you. Zz.

Fine, I'll just go on the ride all by myself, I don't need you or Moonbear to take me.

 

[Danger]

The second picture is when I'm on the Dumbo ride, having tons of fun!

So what's with the nipples all around the attachment collars?

I wanted to go on the ride, but didn't have any kids with me!

Hmmmm...new patent coming up: inflatable kids...

Fine, I'll just go on the ride all by myself, I don't need you or Moonbear to take me.

That's pretty high off the ground for someone as acrophobic as I am, but I'll go with you if you promise to hold me really tight.

 

[Moonbear]

I know exactly which ride you're referring to. It's that flying teradactyle <sp> that you ride around as if you're flying through the forrest, no? I wanted to go on that too and could not for the same reason as yours! You'll never find that kind of a ride at Disney, I tell ya.

Yep, I think that was it. Something with wings on it anyway. For once in my life, I wanted to be shorter than the "you must be this high" stick!

 

[Evo]

That's pretty high off the ground for someone as acrophobic as I am, but I'll go with you if you promise to hold me really tight.

Aw, thanks Danger <sniff>. :shy:

 

[Danger]

Aw, thanks Danger <sniff>. :shy:

Anything for you. (Although I suspect that I would be reaping the major advantage of that arrangement.)

 

[ZapperZ]

Fine, I'll just go on the ride all by myself, I don't need you or Moonbear to take me.

Evo, I'll go on it with you next, how's that? And we'll ride the magic carpet out by Fantasy Land. And I'll even buy you a turkey leg!

And yes, I'll be checking in now and then from the conference.

Zz.

 

[Evo]

Evo, I'll go on it with you next, how's that? And we'll ride the magic carpet out by Fantasy Land. And I'll even buy you a turkey leg!

:!) :!)

And yes, I'll be checking in now and then from the conference.

Zz.

Good!

 

[ZapperZ]

I'm here, in the middle of the Knoxville Convention Center, at a very serious Particle Accelerator Conference, with distinguished physicists from all over the world. And I'm walking around wearing a Mickey Mouse/Walt Disney World t-shirt!

I bumped into my boss on the way in. He looked at me and shook his head, and continued walking (and yes, he is well aware of my Disney "disease"). Luckily, I have no meetings to attend today, only several scientific program sessions that I wish to listen to.

There must be a 12-step program for people like me...

Zz.

 

[Astronuc]

I'm here, in the middle of the Knoxville Convention Center, at a very serious Particle Accelerator Conference, with distinguished physicists from all over the world. And I'm walking around wearing a Mickey Mouse/Walt Disney World t-shirt!

What!? No MM ears to match!?

There must be a 12-step program for people like me...

Why would you even contemplate that?

You should get on the conference steering committee and get a PA conference in Orlando.

 

[Evo]

I'm here, in the middle of the Knoxville Convention Center, at a very serious Particle Accelerator Conference, with distinguished physicists from all over the world. And I'm walking around wearing a Mickey Mouse/Walt Disney World t-shirt!

Heheh, they're probably all envious.

I bumped into my boss on the way in. He looked at me and shook his head, and continued walking (and yes, he is well aware of my Disney "disease"). Luckily, I have no meetings to attend today, only several scientific program sessions that I wish to listen to.

There must be a 12-step program for people like me...

Zz.

It's a "good" addiction.

Are you having a good time?

 

[Moonbear]

You should get on the conference steering committee and get a PA conference in Orlando.

See, there you go! Us neuroscientists have brains (bad pun intended)...we have our conferences at rotating locations, and one of them is now Orlando (I think that's replacing Miami on the rotation). So, yes, there's a picture on the lab fridge of me and a former post-doc standing inside the Disney entrance.

 

[ZapperZ]

What!? No MM ears to match!?

Don't tempt me! The thought did actually crossed my mind. But I think I need to save what little dignity I have left. :)

You should get on the conference steering committee and get a PA conference in Orlando.

The problem with this type of conferences is that the organizing committee are always facilities that actually have a significant accelerator research program. Unfortunately, insitutions around Orlando, such as U. of Central Florida, have no accelerator research programs (I certainly haven't bumped into any of them). So unless Mickey is planning on building a huge accelerator right next do the Astro Orbiter ride, I'm out of luck with having one of these conferences in Orlando. <sob>

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Heheh, they're probably all envious.

Unfortunately, half of them don't even notice what I'm wearing. So maybe I DO need to go with the Mickey ears route. :)

It's a "good" addiction.

Are you having a good time?

I'm having a blast and I'm going to tell why in my next journal entry. :)

Zz.

 

[Evo]

I'm having a blast and I'm going to tell why in my next journal entry. :)

Zz.

Ha! A sneaky way to drive more people to your journal. I just get locked outside in my underwear.

 

[Moonbear]

Ha! A sneaky way to drive more people to your journal. I just get locked outside in my underwear.

I have to find a good way to do that myself. I've been catching up on Tom Mattson's journal views and am just dying to see his reaction if I finally surpass him. I thought Zz starting a thread about my journal might do the trick, and it sure helped, but not quite enough. C'mon everyone, just go click on my journal. You don't really even need to read it, just view it.

 

[Astronuc]

ZZ - Before we get back to Disney World Resort, is there any discussion at PAC on light element spallation? Would you happen to know of any database on the spallation product distributions for each element (Al and lighter) as a function of incident particle energy? Finally, is there a charged particle Monte-Carlo transport code similar to MCNP (Monte-Carlo Neutron/Photon)?

With regard to accelerator research programs - I guess PAC is devoted to the physics of the accelerators, more than the physics of the experiments.

Can you define "a significant accelerator research program." Does one have to have an accelerator on site. University of Florida, Dept. of Physics has the "Institute for Fundamental Theory" - http://www.phys.ufl.edu/~ift/ . Would they qualify as a signifcant program?

Maybe I am pulling at straws.

Too bad, ANS had a meeting in Orlando last September.

 

[ZapperZ]

ZZ - Before we get back to Disney World Resort, is there any discussion at PAC on light element spallation? Would you happen to know of any database on the spallation product distributions for each element (Al and lighter) as a function of incident particle energy? Finally, is there a charged particle Monte-Carlo transport code similar to MCNP (Monte-Carlo Neutron/Photon)?

I do not know much about spallation sources. So I may have to ask around or look it up.

With regard to accelerator research programs - I guess PAC is devoted to the physics of the accelerators, more than the physics of the experiments.

You're somewhat correct here. We provide the "machinery" based on what it is intended to do.

Can you define "a significant accelerator research program." Does one have to have an accelerator on site. University of Florida, Dept. of Physics has the "Institute for Fundamental Theory" - http://www.phys.ufl.edu/~ift/ . Would they qualify as a signifcant program?

I guess my criteria would be if anyone from that institution have published anything either in previous PAC proceedings, or have published in PRST-AB. One does need an accelerator facility, either a cyclotron, an accelerator, etc. to typically be considered to have a significant accelerator program by most standards.

10 more days before I leave for Disney World! :)

Zz.

 

[Astronuc]

I guess my criteria would be if anyone from that institution have published anything either in previous PAC proceedings, or have published in PRST-AB. One does need an accelerator facility, either a cyclotron, an accelerator, etc. to typically be considered to have a significant accelerator program by most standards.

You could put Mickey Mouse and Professor Ludwig von Drake as co-authors on a paper.

Here is some background on von Drake - http://duckman.pettho.com/characters/ludwig.html .

Perhaps it would be more practical to have DOE donate a surplus cyclotron as a science exhibit at Disney World.

 

[ZapperZ]

Perhaps it would be more practical to have DOE donate a surplus cyclotron as a science exhibit at Disney World.

Unfortunately, with all the funding cutbacks especially in high energy physics, there is no such thing as a "surplus" of anything anymore. :(

There was a physics teachers booth at the science fair yesterday, and they were giving out 'toys' such as periodic table refrigerator magnets (I took 4), mouspads, diffraction glasses, etc. The lady said "Take these and give them to your kids!". I then said "Hey, who needs kids? These things are for me. I don't need kids to enjoy these things" and showed her the logo on my polo shirt that says "Disney World Passholder". She wasn't quite sure what to say anything in return. :)

9 more days before Disney World trip. We have tickets to see La Nuba again, a dinner reservation at Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and a reservation for breakfast with the characters at the Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom.

Zz.

 

[Astronuc]

I presume you mean La Nouba(Cirque Du Soleil).

We have tickets to see La Nuba again, a dinner reservation at Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and a reservation for breakfast with the characters at the Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom.

That sounds like a pretty full schedule. I usually just go to places - my family would appreciate more organization on my part.

You said "we", so is this a group or family thing you do at Disney World? Do you do this annually?

 

[ZapperZ]

I presume you mean La Nouba(Cirque Du Soleil).

Yes, I do. I just don't spell well.

That sounds like a pretty full schedule. I usually just go to places - my family would appreciate more organization on my part.

You said "we", so is this a group or family thing you do at Disney World? Do you do this annually?

It's a group of friends and "extended family", and for the Memorial Day week, it has become an annual thing since 2000. The Labor Day week trip also has become an annual thing for me too, but with a smaller group (sometime there's just 2 of us, sometime 12!) I've only done end of the year/New Year once, and I don't think I'll do it again quite exactly as that (even *I* found that too busy and packed). But I may just do 1st of the year and the week following that so that I can again do my birthday there.

Zz.