Disney World PF Gathering and Tips for Disney Mania!

[ZapperZ]

A bunch of New Year pins are being released today all over WDW, but what drew my attention is an open edition pin that is also being released today. It is a Sorcerer Mickey pin. There are already several of Sorcerer Mickey pins available, either in limited edition or open edition like this one. But I think this one is the best of the lot!

I think I will get a couple of hands full of this pin.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904379.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

If you are a Disney cartoon fan, then you MUST get the Chronological Donald Volume 1 and 2. Volume 2 was released about 2 weeks ago, while volume 1 was released last year. Volume 2 covers the Donald "war years", and in the opinion of Leonard Maltin, it is Donald at the peak of his popularity.

http://www.laughingplace.com/News-PID509930-509932.asp

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

So, want to know what the Disney float will look like for the upcoming Tournament of Roses Parade? This will give you a hint, and it sounds like a winner:

http://disney.go.com/inside/issues/stories/v051227.html

Too bad we will probably not be seeing the parade, since I'm sure we will be busy somewhere in Disney World at that time, celebrating my birthday! :)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Four More Days!

It is so, so close, I can almost see this...

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Looks like I'm not the only one who was disappointed with the Disney Christmas Parade special on ABC on this past Christmas Day.

http://cinemazement.com/blog/?p=141

The Modern Marvel espisode on Walt Disney World on the History Channel during the evening, however, was quite well done. I will probably get this DVD when it is available in Feb.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

It's a clean sweep, folks!
Amusement Business has released the Top 25 most attended theme parks in North America, and Disney theme parks swept the top 5, with all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks making into the top 5.
http://www.wftv.com/news/5653036/detail.html
Zz.

OK, some people just have way too much time on their hands...

Someone at a discussion board looked at the rankings again, and using the numbers published, decided to look at the statistics and compare it with number of operating days (there were many theme parks listed that are not open all year round).

The Big Two remained the same (Magic Kingdom and Disneyland), but then the ranking changed after that. Disney theme parks still took 5 of the top 6, but other previously-ranked-high theme parks drop considerably.

See the new ranking here:

http://thedisneyblog.typepad.com/tdb/2005/12/attendance_numb.html#more

Interesting to note that Universal Studios theme parks are not doing as well when looked at this way. And Disney's California Adventure is still struggling to find an audience, or a theme for that matter.

Zz.

 

[Astronuc]

Four More Days!
It is so, so close, I can almost see this...

Sorry ZZ, but that image would turn me off right there. I can appreciate that Disney is a fun place, but surrounded by concrete, freeways and crowds.

This is what I would prefer -

http://www.tomaatnet.nl/~wesker/jpg/jow42.jpg

http://www.tomaatnet.nl/~wesker/jpg/jow43.jpg

http://www.tomaatnet.nl/~wesker/jpg/jow33.jpg

http://www.tomaatnet.nl/~wesker/jpg/jow38.jpg

http://www.tomaatnet.nl/~wesker/jpg/jow45.jpg

I hope you and Moonbear have a fun and safe time!

 

[Moonbear]

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?).

 

[ZapperZ]

WHOA!

A tree at Disney's Grand California Hotel Resort in Anaheim caught fire, forcing the evacuation of the hotel.

http://www.nbc4.tv/news/5688821/detail.html

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Sorry ZZ, but that image would turn me off right there. I can appreciate that Disney is a fun place, but surrounded by concrete, freeways and crowds.

First of all, the 2 vehicles that you saw in the picture are both part of my party. That was the time when a group of 10 of us were there. We just left Animal Kingdom and making our way back to the Downtown Disney area.

But it also shows why we're different, Astronuc. I live in the city, and while I do enjoy going off into rural-land and enjoying some peace and quiet now and then, I do know that I love living in the city. The energy, the diversity, the restaurants, etc. are something I'm used to and can't live without. Not many things can faze me anymore.

Thus, Disney, even when its crowded, is a fun place. I prefer it less crowded, sure. Who doesn't? But the crowds often are part of the attraction (examples: during Christmas, especially Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party, and during GayDays). Besides, I can make conversations very easily with others at the park, while in line for an attraction, or while sitting down waiting for a parade or a fireworks. Some of my most pleasent and memorable moments at WDW are from these types of encounters.

And since I've seen and done practically all of the attractions at WDW at least half a dozen times each, there's no urgency to have to do something if the line is too long, or the weather is too hot, etc.

I hope you and Moonbear have a fun and safe time!

I'll make sure she does! :)

Zz.

 

[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.