Disney World PF Gathering and Tips for Disney Mania!

  • Thread starter Thread starter ZapperZ
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AI Thread Summary
A gathering for Disney enthusiasts is planned at Disney World during Memorial Day week (May 28 to June 5), inviting others to join for fun activities like measuring the drop rate at the Tower of Terror and pin trading. For those unable to attend, a return trip is already scheduled for Labor Day week (Sept. 3 to Sept. 11), with tips to find deals on the Disney website. The discussion includes a promise to share a shortlist of must-do attractions at Walt Disney World, encouraging contributions from others. Key tips for visiting include utilizing Disney's transportation, making reservations for dining, and understanding ticket expiration policies. The thread fosters community among Disney fans while providing practical advice for an enjoyable visit.
  • #101
So, you're getting very close to heading to Disney World! :approve: You'll have to keep those of us not fortunate enough to go updated with all the fun you're having! I wish Integral would have posted more pictures of his trip.
 
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  • #102
Evo said:
So, you're getting very close to heading to Disney World!

Yup! I can't wait! I just have to suffer through a week of work next week. And Astronuc gave me an idea. I think on Friday next week, the day before I leave for Disney, I'll wear my Mickey Ears hat to work! They'll think Halloween has come early, but I won't care...

You'll have to keep those of us not fortunate enough to go updated with all the fun you're having! I wish Integral would have posted more pictures of his trip.

I will certainly try to post some since one of us will be bringing a laptop. Just be prepared for a whole lot of pictures!

Zz.
 
  • #103
ZapperZ said:
But I may just do 1st of the year and the week following that so that I can again do my birthday there.

Zz.

Ooh ooh ooh ooh, that would really work better for me than September! When I do travel to FL to visit my parents for the holidays, I usually wait until the actual holidays are over and the kiddies are heading back to school. The weather can sometimes be a bit chilly, but sometimes that's better than roasting in the sun. That was the time of year when I went to Universal...no lines anywhere! I realized the park actually seems small when you can ride everything in half a day, even with my slow parents tagging along (they have to stop and rest at every park bench they pass...all the more reason to go with people my own age). And, it'll be the perfect excuse not to stay at my parents' house if I can tell them I'll be hanging out with some guy I met on the internet. :biggrin: (:rolleyes: If mom shows up with a priest, RUN!)
 
  • #104
ZapperZ said:
Yup! I can't wait! I just have to suffer through a week of work next week. And Astronuc gave me an idea. I think on Friday next week, the day before I leave for Disney, I'll wear my Mickey Ears hat to work! They'll think Halloween has come early, but I won't care...

Notice to PF Papparazzi[/size]
Anyone in the Chicago area next Friday, be on the lookout for someone in the Physics Dept wearing mouse ears. Long range telephoto lenses are recommended to get a clear shot without scaring off subject. We will pay well for a clear photo of ZZ's face.​

:-p
 
  • #106
That's funny! :smile: :smile: :smile:
 
  • #107
  • #108
Evo said:
A movie for Zapper's disney trip. :biggrin:
Geez, it doesn't take you long to develop an addiction, does it? :-p
 
  • #109
Evo said:
A movie for Zapper's disney trip. :biggrin:

http://mm.dfilm.com/mm2s/mm_route.php?id=2414218

I think you have waaaaay too much time on your hands, Evo... and a vivid imagination too.

And as for Moonbear's offer, it looks like I will have to keep a look-out for photographers. They will have an easier chance if I wear those ears while I'm driving, but I'm not going to. I don't think the security guards will let me into the grounds if I wear such a thing - don't want them to know how nutty I am. :) I'll wear 'em when I'm safely in. Besides, the people in my division already know of my addiction. :)

Zz.
 
  • #110
ZapperZ said:
I think you have waaaaay too much time on your hands, Evo... and a vivid imagination too.

Zz.
You didn't like it. :frown:

Oh, you probably didn't see the other movies. Several of us were making movies in the "threadkillers thread" last night. This makes more sense if you see the others first, well no, I guess it doesn't. :rolleyes:
 
  • #111
Evo said:
You didn't like it. :frown:

I liked it! :)

I'm back home. While I was waiting for my plane at the Knoxville airport, I saw a bunch of people getting off the plane with Disney stuff. So I made a bee line to them and asked if they just came back from Disney World. Well of course they did! So we spent the next 5 minutes just yapping away what they did, what they saw, and how I will be going there next week. A girl proceeded to tell me what to do and stuff till I had to stop her and tell her that I have an annual pass and go there several times a year.

I don't know if the look of hate on her face is because I cut her off, or if she's envious that I go there that often. :)

Zz.
 
  • #112
ZapperZ said:
A girl proceeded to tell me what to do and stuff till I had to stop her and tell her that I have an annual pass and go there several times a year.

I don't know if the look of hate on her face is because I cut her off, or if she's envious that I go there that often. :)

Zz.
:biggrin: How old was she?
 
  • #113
Evo said:
:biggrin: How old was she?

I'm guessing she was 9 or 10... She was clutching at a stuffed Minnie. :)

Zz.
 
  • #114
At least she didn't cry. That's the last thing you want to happen :rolleyes:
 
  • #115
ZapperZ said:
I'm guessing she was 9 or 10... She was clutching at a stuffed Minnie. :)

Zz.
You old meanie! :smile:
 
  • #116
Look what you did to her! now she's on an embarassing TV show just to get by and getting more hated by people everyday!

http://www.rowdyruff.net/images/fanart/heavy/buttercup-sad.jpg
 
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  • #117
ZapperZ said:
I'm guessing she was 9 or 10... She was clutching at a stuffed Minnie. :)

Zz.

Aww, poor kid! Yep, definitely jealous that you get to go so often (well, anyone would be, right?)

As soon as I can sort out any potentially conflicting August-September travel and experiments (I don't usually like to make too many trips back-to-back if I can avoid it) I'll decide if I'm going to join you in September or January, but you are seriously convincing me this will be a great way to meet some fellow PFers (or even just one willing to go on the Dumbo ride with me :biggrin:). Well, 'cuz if you all turn out to be jerks in person, I can still enjoy Disney all by myself! :-p (I dont' expect that to happen though. :cool:)
 
  • #118
Moonbear said:
As soon as I can sort out any potentially conflicting August-September travel and experiments (I don't usually like to make too many trips back-to-back if I can avoid it) I'll decide if I'm going to join you in September or January, but you are seriously convincing me this will be a great way to meet some fellow PFers (or even just one willing to go on the Dumbo ride with me :biggrin:). Well, 'cuz if you all turn out to be jerks in person, I can still enjoy Disney all by myself! :-p (I dont' expect that to happen though. :cool:)

Exactly! :)

I will expect you to let me know as soon as you can if you can make it for Sept./Labor Day week. I will then make my arrangements. However, at this point, I'm 80% certain that I will be going back to Disney World for Labor Day week (a couple of us renew our Annual Pass on this trip).

One thing that I didn't mention is that if you're into Disney merchandize (and I am), you get to see the beginning of their new line if you go over the labor day week. It seems that they introduce the new stuff for the next year during this time. So you'll see stuff you haven't seen if you came in earlier in the summer (like I do).

And if you're into collecting Disney Pins, they have this thing call Disney Pin Pursuit during that time of the year. You get a game card, get stamps from the various locations throughout disney world, and at the end, you get a prize pin for completing the pursuit (something like a scavenger hunt). If you go with us, it will be a snap to get all the stamps. We also collect all the various pins shown on the game card along the way (optional). They are sneaky in the sense that each location carries a number of pins available exclusively only at that location and nowhere else in Disney World (or in the world, for that matter, except maybe on e-bay).

As can be seen, they have a number of ways for you to part with your money. That's why we know why disney has the Disney/MGM Studios. The "MGM" actually stands for "Money-Grabbing Mouse"! :)

Zz.
 
  • #119
Pooh and Me

OK, as promised before I left for the PAC conference, here's a picture with me in it. If anyone turned into a pillar of salt, I am not to be blamed.

There is a story behind this. It was the trip from June 2002. We were resting around the lagoon entrance at Epcot when the character bus came by and out comes all the Disney characters! Most of the people made a bee line for the "famous" ones such as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, etc. I, on the other hand, went straight to one of my favorites (after Donald, that is, who already had a long line waiting to get a picture with him) - Pooh Bear![1]

A line was already forming in front of me, consisting of 2 kids (around 8 or 9 years old). So I was third in line to have my picture taken. As I was waiting, a couple of other kids started to cut in in front of me! (the nerve!). So I politely (in my kinda way) told them that I was already in line and gently pushed them aside (don't want to be too rough since the parents are likely to be nearby). They said "Oh, we didn't know you're also taking pictures with Pooh!". Well, damn right I was! And here's the proof!

[No extra points in correctly guessing which one is Pooh and which one is me]

Zz.

[1] As most of you Disney fans know, Pooh Bear (and the rest of the Pooh Bear characters) are under license by the Walt Disney Corp. in North America. So he is not one of the original Disney character, the so-called Fab Five: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. Daisy and other characters came much later.
 
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  • #120
ZapperZ said:
OK, as promised before I left for the PAC conference, here's a picture with me in it. If anyone turned into a pillar of salt, I am not to be blamed.
Whoa, ZapperZ is a hottie! :-p Pillar of salt... :rolleyes:

As I was waiting, a couple of other kids started to cut in in front of me! (the nerve!). So I politely (in my kinda way) told them that I was already in line and gently pushed them aside
The way I heard it both children had to be air lifted out on backboards. :wink:
 
  • #121
Evo said:
Whoa, ZapperZ is a hottie! :-p Pillar of salt... :rolleyes:

<blush>

The way I heard it both children had to be air lifted out on backboards. :wink:

Hey, have you been talking to their mothers? I keep telling them that those were just minor bruises!

:)

Zz.
 
  • #122
ZapperZ said:
Hey, have you been talking to their mothers? I keep telling them that those were just minor bruises!

:)

Zz.
They had it coming to them. :devil:

Ooh, Zz has very nice hands and legs. :approve:
 
  • #123
Zz almost looks like a crazy scientist too!
 
  • #124
ZapperZ said:
OK, as promised before I left for the PAC conference, here's a picture with me in it.
You bastard! Yet another whom I have looked upon as an aged fountain of wisdom turns out to be younger than my socks.

I must point out, for the sake of saving face, that Winnie is Canuk. It was a bear cub at the Winnipeg zoo that prompted the story in the first place. Hence the name.
 
  • #125
z-component said:
Zz almost looks like a crazy scientist too!

I just don't know. After seeing that photo, I was thinking we might have to question his credentials. No sandals, no black socks, no plaid shirt. :rolleyes: About the only thing that gives it away is the backpack slung over his shoulder. Yeah, I always bring along a backpack to amusement parks too, and then everyone else who realizes they should have done so too hands me all their crap to carry. I also make sure I have at least one 2 gallon ziploc bag in there so things like cameras, cell phones, and wallets can go in the bag for water rides; I HATE walking around with wet sneakers for the rest of the day after going on a water ride too, so those also go in the backpack for water rides. And what's with all the guys around here wearing sunglasses in their photos? :cool: I'm going to have to modify my offer to the PF Papparazzi: any photos obtained of the physicist in mouse ears MUST show his eyes! :biggrin:
 
  • #126
Danger said:
You bastard! Yet another whom I have looked upon as an aged fountain of wisdom turns out to be younger than my socks.

Don't let the look fool you. Remember, that was at Disney World. There is a well-known and well-documented effect that everyone looks 15 to 20 years younger once you step onto its grounds. I'm actually old and wringkly with a big hump on my back. I go to Disney World as often as I can to look young and pretty.

Zz.
 
  • #127
I guess what's most notable about Zz is his "normal" hair. I thought all crazy scientists have crazy hair!
 
  • #128
z-component said:
I guess what's most notable about Zz is his "normal" hair. I thought all crazy scientists have crazy hair!

You should see me in the morning before I get in the shower. I always wake up thinking that I will be having a bad hair day! :)

Zz.
 
  • #129
ZapperZ said:
You should see me in the morning before I get in the shower. I always wake up thinking that I will be having a bad hair day! :)

Zz.
I like the "wild hair" look. :-p
 
  • #130
Illumination

I've written about this in my list at the beginning of this thread, but I don't think I can emphasize it enough. If you ever get to Disney World, you MUST, MUST, MUST NOT miss Illuminations at Epcot.

This has got to be THE best fireworks-lights spectacle shown every night. The unbelievable timing with the music, and the music itself, haven't been matched anywhere else. Even the new lights and fireworks show Wishes at the Magic Kingdom cannot match the whole package of Illuminations.

I typically see this at least twice on every trip to Disney World. I have at least 4 different video recordings of it that I've edited to include the original music that accompanied the show (you can buy the CD at the theme parks). There's a slight tweaking and differences from year to year, but the whole concept is still as rousing as ever.

So, if you are ever at Disney World, don't forget. At 9:00 pm, be at the entrance to the lagoon, which is the best place to view the best nightly show anywhere.

[5 more days to Disney World and counting...]

Zz.
 
  • #131
ZapperZ said:
I've written about this in my list at the beginning of this thread, but I don't think I can emphasize it enough. If you ever get to Disney World, you MUST, MUST, MUST NOT miss Illuminations at Epcot.

This has got to be THE best fireworks-lights spectacle shown every night. The unbelievable timing with the music, and the music itself, haven't been matched anywhere else. Even the new lights and fireworks show Wishes at the Magic Kingdom cannot match the whole package of Illuminations.

I typically see this at least twice on every trip to Disney World. I have at least 4 different video recordings of it that I've edited to include the original music that accompanied the show (you can buy the CD at the theme parks). There's a slight tweaking and differences from year to year, but the whole concept is still as rousing as ever.

So, if you are ever at Disney World, don't forget. At 9:00 pm, be at the entrance to the lagoon, which is the best place to view the best nightly show anywhere.

[5 more days to Disney World and counting...]

Zz.

I've never seen the Epcot fireworks, but I love fireworks! We stayed for fireworks when I was there as a kid once, but that required a lot of begging and pleading. Now that my parents are even older and have even earlier bedtimes, there's no convincing them to stay past dark. :frown: That's why I really need to go with someone else! :biggrin:
 
  • #132
Moonbear said:
I've never seen the Epcot fireworks, but I love fireworks! We stayed for fireworks when I was there as a kid once, but that required a lot of begging and pleading. Now that my parents are even older and have even earlier bedtimes, there's no convincing them to stay past dark. :frown: That's why I really need to go with someone else! :biggrin:

Moonbie dear, you and I are going to have a blast together at Disney World. And if Evo comes with us, they'b better hold on to themselves. We'll be the loudest people ever on the Dumbo ride! :)

Zz.
 
  • #133
Aww, that'd make a great picture!
 
  • #134
ZapperZ said:
Moonbie dear, you and I are going to have a blast together at Disney World. And if Evo comes with us, they'b better hold on to themselves. We'll be the loudest people ever on the Dumbo ride! :)

Zz.

Woo hoo!
 
  • #135
Mickey On Parade

During the 2003-2004 Holiday/New Year season, there was a large number of Mickey figures decorated in various fashion as part of the Mickey On Parade festival. This was part of what was shown outside of the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. A part of what was shown here went on a "road tour" across various parts of the US (a couple of dozens made it to Chicago and was displayed along Michigan Ave).

Zz.
 
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  • #136
ZapperZ said:
During the 2003-2004 Holiday/New Year season, there was a large number of Mickey figures decorated in various fashion as part of the Mickey On Parade festival. This was part of what was shown outside of the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. A part of what was shown here went on a "road tour" across various parts of the US (a couple of dozens made it to Chicago and was displayed along Michigan Ave).

Zz.
They stole the idea from "cows on parade"!

I love fireworks.

ZapperZ said:
Moonbie dear, you and I are going to have a blast together at Disney World. And if Evo comes with us, we can make her hold all of our stuff while we go on the rides (we'll just give her a turkey leg once in awhile to keep her amused).
:cry:
 
  • #137
Evo said:
:cry:

Whoa! You did quite a bit of "creative editing" there, Evo!

If you've ever had one of their turkey legs, you would immediately know that this isn't a bad thing. Once you have the juices running down towards your elbow, you'll know you want this everytime you get here!

:)

Zz.
 
  • #138
ZapperZ said:
Whoa! You did quite a bit of "creative editing" there, Evo!

If you've ever had one of their turkey legs, you would immediately know that this isn't a bad thing. Once you have the juices running down towards your elbow, you'll know you want this everytime you get here!

:)

Zz.

And since she and Danger are both afraid of heights, we should get Danger to come along too so she has company sitting on the ground holding all our stuff. See, Evo, I'm thinking of you. :biggrin:
 
  • #139
Moonbear said:
And since she and Danger are both afraid of heights, we should get Danger to come along too so she has company sitting on the ground holding all our stuff. See, Evo, I'm thinking of you. :biggrin:
:frown:

ZapperZ said:
Whoa! You did quite a bit of "creative editing" there, Evo!
Creative license. :wink:
 
  • #140
Disney Motion

OK, just to amuse ourselves, go here:

http://disney.go.com/disneymotion/showcase/index.html

If you can tolerate the Bear singing at the beginning of each segment (or other trailers that you can't skip), click on the Attractions tab. These "previews" are done quite well.

Zz.
 
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  • #141
Parade down Main Street

This is the afternoon parade down Main Street at Magic Kingdom. Oh what a wonderful time it was...

Zz.
 
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  • #142
ZapperZ said:
This is the afternoon parade down Main Street at Magic Kingdom.
So if the float rolls on a fast corner, does Mickey get snowed on?
 
  • #143
ZapperZ said:
OK, just to amuse ourselves, go here:

http://disney.go.com/disneymotion/showcase/index.html

If you can tolerate the Bear singing at the beginning of each segment (or other trailers that you can't skip), click on the Attractions tab. These "previews" are done quite well.

Zz.
I couldn't get any sound last night on my home computer, now I'm at home on my work laptop, but on a 24k dial up connection and getting sound in little snippets. :frown:

Only three more days Zz?
 
  • #144
Evo said:
Only three more days Zz?

Yup! Car will pick up on Sat. morning at 5:00 am for a 7:00 am flight to Orlando. We will be there in plenty of time for a nice lunch at Fulton's in Downtown Disney (15% off with the Annual Passholder card), some shopping at World of Disney, and then, after checking in, straight to the Magic Kingdom. We also have a dinner reservation that evening at the california grill at The Contemporary Resort, which is along the Magic Kingdom resort monorail, so that's convenient. The whole group going on this trip is expected to meet there.

I just know that I will have trouble going to sleep Friday night. It's like Christmas morning all over again... :)

Zz.
 
  • #145
ZapperZ said:
I just know that I will have trouble going to sleep Friday night. It's like Christmas morning all over again... :)
:smile: Well, you always know where you can hang out when you can't sleep. We expect a live camera feed from Orlando once you're there. :biggrin: :approve:
 
  • #146
<sobbing uncontrollably>

I'm sad. I've just received the very LAST issue of the Disney Magazine. Yes, that's right, the Disney Magazine (you didn't think I was sucked into the whole thing THIS far down, did you?).

It appears that they have decided to cease publication of the magazine and concentrate on the two "kiddies" magazines that they are already publishing. This sucks, since the Disney Magazine had lots of info and stuff for adults too (even for adults that behave like spoiled kids). And they're only published 4 times a year - how bad can it be?

So now I have to rely more on the webpages to get my inside info, the Mickey Monitor (newsletter to annual passholders), and the couple of friends that I know who are Disney castmembers.

Maybe I should complain to Micheal Eisner, but what does he care? He's leaving with a big fat bonus check (probably thanks to all my spending at Disney World)! :)

Zz.
 
  • #147
ZapperZ said:
<sobbing uncontrollably>
There, there. (puts arm around Zz)

I'm sad. I've just received the very LAST issue of the Disney Magazine. Yes, that's right, the Disney Magazine (you didn't think I was sucked into the whole thing THIS far down, did you?).
We feel your pain. :cry:

Why don't they at least publish it online? That costs nothing.
 
  • #148
Primeval Whirl

In this picture, we're going up the first ramp on the Primeval Whirl, one of my favorite rides at the Animal Kingdom. This one is a screamer. It would have been a rather tame rollercoaster, but the seats also SPIN!

This is not a recommended ride for someone who can easily get motion sickness, or immediately after a meal.

I plan to ride this thing at least 3 times while I'm there next week. :)

Zz.
 
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  • #149
Can you stand another picture of Epcot's Golf Ball?

I have posted a rather unique view of Epcot from in front of the Japanese Pavillion last time. This one is quite unique also. It is through a floral/plant arrangement during the Epcot Flower and Garden Show (which is going on right now!). You can also just barely seen Minnie's head topiary through the star arrangements.

[back to packing...]

Zz.
 
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  • #150
Great picture!

Bon voyage Zz! I guess you'll be leaving bright and early tomorrow morning.

I'd say "have a great time", but I guess that goes without saying. Think of me when you bite into your first turkey leg! :smile:
 

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