Disney World PF Gathering and Tips for Disney Mania!

[ZapperZ]

3 1/2 MORE DAYS![/size]

I also got myself a new digital camera today so I can take lots of pictures when there (along with a 1 GB memory card! I definitely won't have to worry about running out of room...I didn't need one with that much memory, but there was a rebate that made it cheaper than the 512 MB card, so how could I not get it?).

Between you and us, we have 3 digital cameras, and one digital video camera, and one tripod. I'd say "WATCHOUT! ARMED TOURISTS!"

:)

BTW, if you have a backpack, even a small one, this might be handy to have with you as we tour the parks. Of course, you don't use the backpack to keep the stuff you bought, since you will use the Disney complimentary service to send the stuff you bought directly to your hotel! :)

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

BTW, if you have a backpack, even a small one, this might be handy to have with you as we tour the parks. Of course, you don't use the backpack to keep the stuff you bought, since you will use the Disney complimentary service to send the stuff you bought directly to your hotel! :)
Zz.

Oh, don't worry, I'm quite familiar with theme park survival skills. If I remember when I'm in a tizzy packing, I will even bring along a gallon-size Ziploc bag for the camera, cellphone, wallet, and other stuff I don't want to get wet, in case it's warm enough to get on any water rides, or if we get caught out in the rain. Between the canvas backpack and the plastic bag, I was able to keep my cellphone and a friend's very expensive camera dry at Cedar Point through several water rides and a torrential downpour that came with the mid-day thunderstorm we got caught in. The nice thing about staying on Disney property is I don't have to worry about lugging around a change of clothes too. If the weather changes dramatically between morning and evening, it won't take too long to run back to my room to change, and better than trying to change in nasty bathrooms inside the themepark or behind beach towels in the parking lot (yes, I've done that too).

Oh, and my new camera can do movies too. Though, I don't know how well yet. I'm going to play with it tonight and make sure I know how to use all the features before it's time for the important pictures.

 

[JamesU]

after you go, will this thread finally die?

 

[Astronuc]

Don't forget the sunscreen!

Zz - cities are fine, and interesting places to visit, but I prefer wide open spaces, Big Sky, and forests, mountains, glaciers, deserts, and wide open beaches.

 

[Moonbear]

after you go, will this thread finally die?

Nope, then we'll be posting pictures and talking all about the trip!

Oh, yes, sunscreen! Thanks for the reminder. I don't know how many bottles of sunscreen I have lying around because I always forget to pack them, so end up buying yet another one while on vacation. At this time of year, I'm far too pale to go out in direct sunlight without sunscreen!

 

[ZapperZ]

Oh, don't worry, I'm quite familiar with theme park survival skills. If I remember when I'm in a tizzy packing, I will even bring along a gallon-size Ziploc bag for the camera, cellphone, wallet, and other stuff I don't want to get wet, in case it's warm enough to get on any water rides, or if we get caught out in the rain. Between the canvas backpack and the plastic bag, I was able to keep my cellphone and a friend's very expensive camera dry at Cedar Point through several water rides and a torrential downpour that came with the mid-day thunderstorm we got caught in.

What? You're not going to buy a cheap piece of plastic that's worth probably 50 cents and pay $9.00 for it that's called the Disney Poncho?

:)

The nice thing about staying on Disney property is I don't have to worry about lugging around a change of clothes too. If the weather changes dramatically between morning and evening, it won't take too long to run back to my room to change, and better than trying to change in nasty bathrooms inside the themepark or behind beach towels in the parking lot (yes, I've done that too).

And we also have wheels, Moonbie. So getting back to the hotel from the parks isn't a big deal. Besides, what we normally do is take a break in the middle of the afternoon and go back to the hotel, relax, and get ready for the evening.

Oh, and my new camera can do movies too. Though, I don't know how well yet. I'm going to play with it tonight and make sure I know how to use all the features before it's time for the important pictures.

Those videos are usually not of ... er... "video" quality. :) Did I tell you that one of my hobbies is doing digital video editing? With Sony Vegas and ACID, we can do home movies galore, in 16x9 widescreen and 5.1 Dolby Digital surround!

:)

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

What? You're not going to buy a cheap piece of plastic that's worth probably 50 cents and pay $9.00 for it that's called the Disney Poncho?
:)

Nope. I even have my own poncho. I pack it when I go to conferences where I have to walk some distance between the hotel and meetings; an umbrella just doesn't cut it when you have an armful of stuff for the conference and have to walk 10 blocks. I might look like a dork wearing it, but I'm a dry dork.

And we also have wheels, Moonbie. So getting back to the hotel from the parks isn't a big deal. Besides, what we normally do is take a break in the middle of the afternoon and go back to the hotel, relax, and get ready for the evening.

A break? In the afternoon?! But that's when I just start waking up! I guess I'll be on my own for the afternoons.

Those videos are usually not of ... er... "video" quality. :) Did I tell you that one of my hobbies is doing digital video editing? With Sony Vegas and ACID, we can do home movies galore, in 16x9 widescreen and 5.1 Dolby Digital surround!
:)
Zz.

I gave it a try. The movie seems to be of similar quality to the old 8 mm home movies, but with sound. I didn't expect much on the movie part; that's not why I bought the camera, but it's nice to have just in case there's something I want to capture where you just have to see the motion. This camera comes with a rather thick instruction manual, and I got as far in it as how to charge the batteries and insert them and the memory card then decided to just see what happens. I can do nifty little things like take pictures in sepia tone or black and white if I want. For an itty bitty camera, it has a lot of manual settings I can change if I want as well...for most of my needs, the automatic setting will do, but it's good to know I have them for the once in a while when the automatic setting just doesn't work for what I want.

 

[JamesU]

Nope, then we'll be posting pictures and talking all about the trip!

meanie!

 

[ZapperZ]

A break? In the afternoon?! But that's when I just start waking up! I guess I'll be on my own for the afternoons.

Not after we're through with you in the morning! :)

Besides, depending on what we're doing in the evening, you might want to rest up in the afternoon for it.

In any case, we're game to go all day if you are.

I gave it a try. The movie seems to be of similar quality to the old 8 mm home movies, but with sound. I didn't expect much on the movie part; that's not why I bought the camera, but it's nice to have just in case there's something I want to capture where you just have to see the motion. This camera comes with a rather thick instruction manual, and I got as far in it as how to charge the batteries and insert them and the memory card then decided to just see what happens. I can do nifty little things like take pictures in sepia tone or black and white if I want. For an itty bitty camera, it has a lot of manual settings I can change if I want as well...for most of my needs, the automatic setting will do, but it's good to know I have them for the once in a while when the automatic setting just doesn't work for what I want.

I think we will have plenty of footage on this trip, both from still cameras and video cameras. Maybe I should have sent you a DVD of a "music video" that I made a couple of years ago after our 2003 Disney trip. :)

Zz.

P.S. THREE MORE DAYS!

 

[tribdog]

I'm excited for you both and would pay to watch you when you finally get there, but you couldn't force me to accompany you. I'm pretty sure I'd strangle the both of you before breakfast.

 

[ZapperZ]

I'm excited for you both and would pay to watch you when you finally get there, but you couldn't force me to accompany you. I'm pretty sure I'd strangle the both of you before breakfast.

Not if we drown you first while you sleep...

I'm very excited for this trip. Not only is it my birthday at the Happiest Place on Earth, but I'll be spending it with some of my most favorite people around. What could be better than that?

Zz.

 

[tribdog]

absolutely nothing. have fun. give Moonbear a kiss for me, tongue too

 

[Moonbear]

absolutely nothing. have fun. give Moonbear a kiss for me, tongue too

Ack! Dog germs!

Zz, I warned you, I've been in training...all these 48 hours awake, on my feet, chasing sheep experiments have built up my stamina to just go all day! But, it's okay, I understand how wimpy physicists can be, you can go take your afternoon nap, I'll be fine on my own. Well, we'll see how the weather is. If it gets really hot in the afternoon, I'll take a break and hang out poolside. Oh, that reminds me, I need to head to the bookstore and get myself some stuff to read on the flight and by the pool.

I'm sure I'll be going nonstop, morning 'til night the first full day, then I might slow down a bit.

Oh, I'm trying to remember...is Disney one of those parks that doesn't allow you to bring in your own bottle of water and makes you buy theirs once inside, or can I stuff some bottled water in my backpack and not have any problems with their security (I know some parks won't let you in, or will only let you bring in a sealed bottle...they don't want the kids sneaking in alcohol I think...or they just want to make more money charging you $4 for a bottle of water). I have to stop to eat and drink frequently, and if I don't have water with me, I'll be very sorry later if I get dehydrated.

Don't worry, tribdog, we'll post pictures to annoy you.

 

[ZapperZ]

Ack! Dog germs!
Zz, I warned you, I've been in training...all these 48 hours awake, on my feet, chasing sheep experiments have built up my stamina to just go all day! But, it's okay, I understand how wimpy physicists can be, you can go take your afternoon nap, I'll be fine on my own.

Them's fightin' words, little lady! We will see who melts first! Remember, I've been there in June, in the middle of hot, humid weather!

:)

Oh, I'm trying to remember...is Disney one of those parks that doesn't allow you to bring in your own bottle of water and makes you buy theirs once inside, or can I stuff some bottled water in my backpack and not have any problems with their security (I know some parks won't let you in, or will only let you bring in a sealed bottle...they don't want the kids sneaking in alcohol I think...or they just want to make more money charging you $4 for a bottle of water). I have to stop to eat and drink frequently, and if I don't have water with me, I'll be very sorry later if I get dehydrated.

Yes, you can bring in your own bottle of water. We do that often especially if we have a refrigerator in our room, so that we can bringing in a cold bottle of water , at least in the morning. However, I suggest you don't drag along that six-pack. That, they might frown upon. :)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

This jumbo pin will be released while Moonbie and I are there. It is part of the "Celebrating 50 Years" jumbo pin series (meaning that there are already a few of these out, and a few more to be released).

This jumbo pin celebrates the Disneyland and Disney World trains.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10923173.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

OK, it's probably too late to highlight christmas lighting decorations. But you HAVE to see this! And it has a Disney connection. The music being used is the same music used for Epcot's Illumination fireworks and light show (they spliced it up a bit to shorten it). This is my most favorite music of all the Disney's lights and fireworks show.

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/videos/xmaslights4.html

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Them's fightin' words, little lady! We will see who melts first! Remember, I've been there in June, in the middle of hot, humid weather!

:)

We'll see. I better check the forecast for next week so I pack appropriately. I'm just as likely to be too cold this time of year as too hot. I know, compared to Chicago, a FL winter is like sitting under a broiler, but I suspect I might be cold-blooded and need to absorb all my heat from the sun.

Yes, you can bring in your own bottle of water. We do that often especially if we have a refrigerator in our room, so that we can bringing in a cold bottle of water , at least in the morning.

Brrrrrrrrrr. It's hot coffee in the morning for me, no matter what the weather.

However, I suggest you don't drag along that six-pack. That, they might frown upon. :)

Sheesh...for the happiest place on Earth, they sure are party poopers.

 

[Moonbear]

Oooh, the weather looks like it'll be absolutely perfect! Most of the week, it will be highs in the mid- to upper-70s. Thursday and Friday it's forecast to be in the mid-60s...that's a bit chilly, but will re-acclimate me before returning home. There's some chance of showers or thunderstorms a few days, but that's typical for FL. Their storms are never that bad, they last an hour or so and then the sun comes back out and you never knew it rained. That'll just be when we take our lunch or dinner break, depending if they happen in the afternoon or evening.

 

[ZapperZ]

Oooh, the weather looks like it'll be absolutely perfect! Most of the week, it will be highs in the mid- to upper-70s. Thursday and Friday it's forecast to be in the mid-60s...that's a bit chilly, but will re-acclimate me before returning home. There's some chance of showers or thunderstorms a few days, but that's typical for FL. Their storms are never that bad, they last an hour or so and then the sun comes back out and you never knew it rained. That'll just be when we take our lunch or dinner break, depending if they happen in the afternoon or evening.

Oh yeah, you do need either a light jacket or a sweater at this time, especially in case the weather goes weird. Besides, we will be outside in the evening for the fireworks and stuff, so having something like that may be necessary.

On the other hand, one can just buy a sweater when one gets there. :)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

No bonuses for Disneyland Paris cast members, but the managers still get theirs.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20051217/bs_afp/franceunionsleisure_051217220923

Zz.

The unhappiness continues at Disneyland Paris due to this.

http://www.ttc.org/200512291645.jbtgjqu12272.htm

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Oh yeah, you do need either a light jacket or a sweater at this time, especially in case the weather goes weird. Besides, we will be outside in the evening for the fireworks and stuff, so having something like that may be necessary.
On the other hand, one can just buy a sweater when one gets there. :)
Zz.

I already have a sweater and sweatshirt in my pile of clothes to pack. I had to try on a lot of shorts to find ones that still fit. But, it'll probably be more jeans and t-shirts weather anyway. At least they aren't forecasting the nasty, never gets above 50 degrees, drizzly and gray all day weather that I've encountered this time of year in the past (maybe that was just Mother Nature sharing my mood when I visit my parents). But, hey, Disney is lugging my luggage for me, so I can overpack.

 

[ZapperZ]

The New Year pins are out in force now.

This is one of the better ones being released at the Disneyland Resort. Luckily, there are plenty of good ones at WDW when we go pin hunting in ... er... is this right? In TWO MORE DAYS!

:)

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10215591.jpg

 

[hypatia]

Hope you all have a great time!

 

[tribdog]

I hope Florida can take it. First it was Katrina, now these two.

 

[ZapperZ]

I hope Florida can take it. First it was Katrina, now these two.

There's nothing to be afraid of from Huricane ZapperZ, unless you are a child that gets in my way as I rush towards the Character Bus.

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

There's nothing to be afraid of from Huricane ZapperZ, unless you are a child that gets in my way as I rush towards the Character Bus.
Zz.

But, first we conquer the Lego Imagination Center in Downtown Disney!

 

[ZapperZ]

My birthday dinner will be at the Liberty Tree Tavern. This is a colonial America themed restaurant with character greetings - the characters being Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Chip and Dale.

This is Minnie from last Sept. when she welcomed us for dinner at the same restaurant. This time, we hope it will be even more fun. They tend to linger when there's somone's birthday.

:)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

It's almost New Year's eve, and more pins are being released. The best part? We will be able to get one of these soon! Hooray!

:)

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904555.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

Pictures and complete video of the 2005 Very Merry Christmas Parade at the Magic Kingdom.

Too bad this will no longer run by the time we get there. :(

http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-179.asp

Zz.

 

[tribdog]

you should see my mickey mouse watch. #1222 out of 5000

 

[ZapperZ]

you should see my mickey mouse watch. #1222 out of 5000

I can do better. I have an actual, signed picture of Walt Disney by Walt himself! I am in the process of getting the person who received it to write down the exact provenance of that picture, but it has been authenticated.

:)

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Enough about pictures and pins and watches...

2 1/2 DAYS![/size] I already have my bags packed...everything but the computer. I have a backpack for my loot in the parks, ibuprofen so I can party all night and still be woken up way too early by Zz (you will bring strong coffee when we meet in the mornings, right? It would be dangerous not to ensure I've had sufficient coffee before trying to talk to me in the morning ), sunscreen so there are no photos re-enacting Russ' trip to Mexico, the complete, unabridged Chronicles of Narnia to read on the plane or by the pool (I never read ALL of them as a kid, so decided I better read the rest and re-read the ones I had read before I ruin the story by seeing the movie)...oh, and some clothes and stuff.

 

[ZapperZ]

Actually, it's more like 1 1/2 days, Moonbie dear! :)

I'm partially packed. I have to look at my spare pins and bring along the cheap ones for trading. I have yet to pack my poncho, tripod, cameras, toiletries, and laptop.

But other than that, I'm ready to go. :)

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Actually, it's more like 1 1/2 days, Moonbie dear! :)

When did I lose a day? Even better...
ONE AND A HALF DAYS![/size]

I'm going to Disney, I'm going to Disney, I'm going to Disney!

I'm partially packed. I have to look at my spare pins and bring along the cheap ones for trading. I have yet to pack my poncho, tripod, cameras, toiletries, and laptop.

You're never going to keep up with me lugging around multiple cameras and a tripod.

I can hardly wait! I'm getting all fluttery in my stomach with excitement. I don't think I'm going to be able to sleep much tonight and tomorrow!

*sings* I'm going to Disney, I'm going to Disney, I'm going to Disney!

 

[tribdog]

pathetic. I'm happy for you two and hope you have a great time, but you really are pathetic. I'm just waiting for you two to be giddily waiting in line when some 4 year old with mouse ears turns to you and says "act your age"

 

[Moonbear]

pathetic. I'm happy for you two and hope you have a great time, but you really are pathetic. I'm just waiting for you two to be giddily waiting in line when some 4 year old with mouse ears turns to you and says "act your age"

Then I'll stick my tongue out, put my fingers in my ears and say, "I'm not listening!" Of course, I might have a hard time breaking the news to Zz that I'd be this excited about ANY real vacation...it's been so long since I've taken a real vacation that didn't include any work or family obligations bundled into the trip. You could've come with us. The invitation was open to anyone.

 

[tribdog]

You think I could go with you to Legoland AND keep my hands to myself? c'mon

 

[ZapperZ]

pathetic. I'm happy for you two and hope you have a great time, but you really are pathetic. I'm just waiting for you two to be giddily waiting in line when some 4 year old with mouse ears turns to you and says "act your age"

You must have missed my post from waaaaaaay back when I pushed away a couple of 6 year-olds who tried to cut in front of me when I was next in line to get a picture with Pooh. When they said "Oh, I thought you weren't in line to get a picture with Pooh Bear", I replied "Damn right I am!"

I do act my age! When I'm at Disney World, I'm 5 years old! Wait till you see me throw a temper tantrum! Now give me back my mouse ears, you nasty old man!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

An early Happy New Year!

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904343.jpg

<Grabs hold of Moonbie> Just think, by this time tomorrow, I will be in the air, and you will be driving around the airport looking for parking!

ONE MORE DAY!

Zz.

 

[tribdog]

time to switch to hours

 

[Moonbear]

An early Happy New Year!
http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904343.jpg
<Grabs hold of Moonbie> Just think, by this time tomorrow, I will be in the air, and you will be driving around the airport looking for parking!
ONE MORE DAY!
Zz.

LOL! By this time tomorrow, I better be a fair bit further than looking for parking, or else I'll be missing my flight! I should be boarding my plane, or sitting there looking very impatiently at a board telling me the flight is delayed. Though, while the weather today is pretty icky here, tomorrow it's supposed to be clear, so at least we can rule out weather delays.

Tomorrow! I'll be in Disney tomorrow!

 

[Moonbear]

You think I could go with you to Legoland AND keep my hands to myself? c'mon

Don't be silly, you're not supposed to keep your hands to yourself, you're supposed to help me grab the good Legos away from the sticky-faced kids.

 

[ZapperZ]

Don't be silly, you're not supposed to keep your hands to yourself, you're supposed to help me grab the good Legos away from the sticky-faced kids.

I find that the best technique in getting all the Legos in a particular bin is to start talking and humming to yourself while you are building your masterpiece. Sprinkle liberally with uncontrollable body twitch, and you have it made. Now this doesn't really scare the kids away since they don't know any better (besides, it isn't something unusual to them anyway), but it'll scare the parents enough to move their kids away from you.

Of course, I'm not speaking of this based on experience...

:)

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

I find that the best technique in getting all the Legos in a particular bin is to start talking and humming to yourself while you are building your masterpiece. Sprinkle liberally with uncontrollable body twitch, and you have it made. Now this doesn't really scare the kids away since they don't know any better (besides, it isn't something unusual to them anyway), but it'll scare the parents enough to move their kids away from you.
Of course, I'm not speaking of this based on experience...
:)
Zz.

I thought you just growled when kids approached. Though, I don't know if I can trust you to defend our Legos...you might cave into the little sticky-faces if they have the right pin on their lanyard. Yep, you'd consider it a real victory to trade off a good bin of Legos for the right pin, wouldn't you? I'll have to keep my eyes on you.

 

[ZapperZ]

I thought you just growled when kids approached. Though, I don't know if I can trust you to defend our Legos...you might cave into the little sticky-faces if they have the right pin on their lanyard. Yep, you'd consider it a real victory to trade off a good bin of Legos for the right pin, wouldn't you? I'll have to keep my eyes on you.

DRAT!

We haven't even met and you already know my weaknesses! Damn you!

Zz.

 

[tribdog]

and you had tried so hard to keep it a secret

 

[Moonbear]

and you had tried so hard to keep it a secret

Yeah, that's Zz, the master of subtelty. I bet you didn't even know he was a Disney fan, did you?

 

[ZapperZ]

Just a few more hours left. I'm all packed, and ready to go. I just know that I won't be able to sleep tonight.

And Pooh is waving at me! Hang on, Pooh Bear! I'll see you in a few hours!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Hey Moonbie,

Aren't you glad you are going to Disney World now and already bought your tickets? Disney World is raising it's admission prices starting tomorrow!

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/orl-disneyprices3105dec31,0,4728159.story?coll=orl-home-headlines

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Wow! Definitely glad I bought my tickets in advance! Though, with buying multiple days as part of the package, it was nowhere near that much per day anyway (I wouldn't have gotten tickets for every day if it was that much).