Disney World PF Gathering and Tips for Disney Mania!

[ZapperZ]

Umm, wouldn't that clash with the mouse ears? Not that I'm a fashion expert by any stetch of the wildest imagination.

No it wouldn't. Not if the ears are attached to a tiara! I got it on loan from Minnie.



Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-390.asp" from the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival that started last week. It looks like this year, there's a very heavy emphasis on the pirate theme. I hope the flowers are still in full bloom by the time I get there...

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

The recruiters for the http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070410/UPDATES01/70410002" will be at the Ohio State University campus today at 6:00 pm. They are looking for people to do an internship at the Walt Disney Resort.

So there you go, Gokul! It's your chance to be Goofy!



<ZapperZ runs and hides>

But then again, after what University of Florida has done to the Ohio State teams in 2 major championship games, I don't know if anyone from the state of Ohio would ever want to step into the state of Florida anytime soon.



Zz.

 

[Gokul43201]

After all that talk about Physics PhDs in the A&CG thread, I couldn't go and do an internship at WD, even if I wanted to. As for the Florida thing, we were just being charitable.

 

[ZapperZ]

Major changes are coming to Epcot's icon http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-disney1207apr12,0,3948558.story" (it's that golf ball-looking thingy). This includes a new exit display area that has been empty and depressing for years since AT&T pulled out its sponsorship.

The only bad thing here is that the renovation closure of Spaceship Earth will go through Epcot's 25th Anniversary on Oct. 1st of this year. This will be sad.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Aww, they didn't show any pictures. When I was young (at that age when big, poofy wedding gowns are something that sounds appealing), I wanted a gown like Cinderella's.

A chipmunk gown...that would require a lot of chipmunks, don't you think?

Here's your opportunity to catch the Disney gowns, Moonbie. They're going to premier them during http://home.businesswire.com/portal...=news_view&newsId=20070415005036&newsLang=en"!

If they show a Mickey ears diamond tiara, I'm buying it!

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Here's your opportunity to catch the Disney gowns, Moonbie. They're going to premier them during http://home.businesswire.com/portal...=news_view&newsId=20070415005036&newsLang=en"!

Oh, I'm so disappointed. It just looks like any other poofy wedding gown. I guess it's nice enough if you're into poofy gowns.

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean attraction is still going strong at the age of 40. Of course, with the movie franchise going wildly popular, the attraction is having a revival. The new upgrade incorporates elements of the movie that should ensure it will continue to be popular for a very long time.

This is quite a good news article, because it has some stuff that even I didn't know about. For example:

Francis X. Atencio remembers riding with Walt Disney through the dark swamp in Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride before it opened — from haunted caverns to a pirate galleon to a ransacked Caribbean seaport.

He turned to Disney and apologized as they drifted past a bustling marketplace scene, where a pirate auctioned off a woman to a crowd of rowdy buccaneers.

“I’m sorry we can’t hear all of their lines,” Atencio said.

Disney responded: “This way, each time people go through it, they’ll hear something new.”

I love anecdotes about Walt like that, especially first-hand anecdotes.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Zagat Survey has polled Walt Disney World guests to find their favorites. This poll http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-zagat2507apr25,0,4973812.story?track=rss" in the first ever Zagat survey of the WDW resort.

Based on this news report, they really got quite a number of "hardcore" Disney fans (fanatics?) to give them what they really like. Of course, I participated in this survey, and am looking forward to getting a copy of it.



Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

More on the newly-published Zagat Survey.

Laughing Place has http://www.laughingplace.com/News-ID10026360.asp" on it. One of the more fascinating fact that they have gathered is this:

Disney Lovers Love Disney: The facts and figures about the surveyors for the Walt Disney World Insider's Guide make one thing very clear - Disney World is widely loved and can be visited again and again and again. In a previously published Zagat Survey, Walt Disney World was ranked the Most Popular Attraction in all of the United States. While 48% of surveyors say the Magic Kingdom is their favorite park, Epcot runs a strong second with 36% of the vote. Lest one thinks Disney World is only for families or kids, 86% of surveyors say they've visited as an adult without children.

That should dispel all myths that WDW is meant only for kids.

A lot of my personal favorites made the list. My most favorite attractions (Soarin', Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest, and Splash Mountain) all made the list of top favorites. Even Boma, my most favorite restaurant in ALL of WDW, made it in the top 5 of favorite restaurants. However, I am quite surprised to see Saratoga Springs (our "home") became the #1 most favorite resort to stay at. I would think Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, or even the Polynesian might be at the top. But no. It is a large, still-expanding Disney Vacation Club resort that made it to the top. That's certainly a big surprise.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

With all the talk about Disney wedding gowns, here's something that people might want to watch. On Monday, Apr. 30, the Food Network will air a special titled "Fantasy Weddings"

A look at three unique, over-the-top weddings. Included: a fairy-tale wedding at Disney World; a Texas wedding with seven cakes; a winter-wonderland wedding for two skiers.

It will air at Monday April 30, 2007 from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM Eastern time.

The on May 4th, the Food Network will also air Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings.

You're invited to join host Sandra Pinckney for a special hour of Disney Fairytale Weddings. From choosing the reception menu to constructing the cake, tag along as a celebration filled with Disney delicacies comes together.

It will air on Friday May 4, 2007 from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM Eastern. This special first aired on June 20, 2004.

I guess Spring is here with all these wedding shows.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Almost 9 minutes of clips from the upcoming Disney-Pixar movie Ratatouille is being made available today, May 1st, on http://home.disney.go.com/index". As expected, the movie looks amazing! However, the storyline so far looks rather compelling (a mouse with an ambition to be a chef in a French restaurant is compelling, no?) :)

The movie opens June 29.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Things You Must Do At Walt Disney World

I've updated this list to include some new stuff available since this year. This new list can be found http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=df5w5j9q_2ch3cbn" .

Obviously, this will be updated after my next visit, which will be in 27 days. There are several new attractions that are just waiting for me to "evaluate".

Zz.

 

[Astronuc]

I've updated this list to include some new stuff available since this year. This new list can be found http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=df5w5j9q_2ch3cbn" .

How much time to do everything on the list? It would seem to require several weeks, unless one is sprinting all day long.

 

[Moonbear]

I've updated this list to include some new stuff available since this year. This new list can be found http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=df5w5j9q_2ch3cbn" .

Obviously, this will be updated after my next visit, which will be in 27 days. There are several new attractions that are just waiting for me to "evaluate".

Zz.

Might be worth noting in the part on Wishes not to sit TOO close to Cinderella's Castle if you want to see all of the fireworks.

 

[ZapperZ]

How much time to do everything on the list? It would seem to require several weeks, unless one is sprinting all day long.

I always suggest a week. In fact, I've had a friend experimented with the list, and he said he and his family could do ALL of it leisurely in 5 days.

Might be worth noting in the part on Wishes not to sit TOO close to Cinderella's Castle if you want to see all of the fireworks.

Yowzah! How could I forget that part! Thanks for the reminder. I'll include that in the next update.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney has quietly pushed for the opening of Pirates of the Caribbean - At World's End to be moved ahead a few hours. Instead of officially opening it on Friday May 25, it has convinced a few theater exhibitors to http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117964457.html?categoryId=13&cs=1" to the evening Thursday May 24th.

I still won't be able to see it then. I would be trying very hard to fall asleep that Thursday evening before leaving on my vacation the next day.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

I originally didn't care to publicize this, but it is just way too silly and ridiculous to not mention. That stupid TV program shown to Palestinian kids, now ridicule everywhere as "Martyr Mouse", http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/05/10/mideast.mouse/index.html" .

While The Walt Disney Company is understandably not amused by this, the strongest response came from the seldom-heard surviving daughter of Walt Disney.

Walt Disney's sole surviving daughter, Diane Disney Miller, on Tuesday told the New York Daily News the show "is just going against the grain of humanity."

"What we're dealing with here is pure evil and you can't ignore that," she was quoted as saying on the Daily News Web site.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

The inaccuracy of Wikipedia is not only restricted to the science and politics. It has also hit Disney. With great fanfare, Disney recently announced a new movie, The Princess and the Frog, that will be significant in 2 aspects: it will be a return to hand-drawn 2D animation, and will feature the first Disney black princess.

However, a story line about this still-in-development movie has http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_movies_blog/2007/05/frog_princess_d.html" and caused a controversy. Some has even called it "Song of the South II", referring to the movie that Disney has refused to re-release so far due to the nature of its racial references.

It is amazing that people put that much faith in what they read on Wikipedia so much so that they have no qualms in using it to make such definitive statement about something that hasn't even been completed! Disney has flat-out stated that the information is wrong. Now how many of these people will pay attention to THAT rather than some stupid entry on Wikipedia?

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Well, so much for planning on going to WDW just twice this year. After going there 4 times last year, we were planning on "cutting back" to just twice this year. Our upcoming trip late May/early June will be one, and the other will be lately Sept/early Oct will be the other. We are skipping the Labor Day week trip that we normally do each year just so that can do the Halloween party this year, and also be there when Epcot turns 25 on Oct. 1st.

Well, that has changed due to the persuasion of our pin buddies. We have added a Sept. 6-9 trip to our plan just so we can attend this years http://eventservices.disney.go.com/pintrading/event?id=20121" event (we are so weak!). After being persuaded by a lot of people, and seeing the pins that will be released at this event, we decided to fly in just to attend that. So essentially, we will be going to WDW twice in Sept. this year.

We have officially registered for the Pin event, but haven't made our pin selection yet - that usually requires careful coordination and planning to make sure we increase our chances of getting what we want. One good thing about this year's pin theme is that there's a lot of pins with Figment, a character that we do not collect. So at least, we're not being tempted by many pins that we want. But the few that we do want are amazing, especially the sets and the jumbo pins.

So now, there are 3 very different trips to look forward to.

Zz.

 

[Astronuc]

I originally didn't care to publicize this, but it is just way too silly and ridiculous to not mention.

I think that it is abhorrent - using a children's show to promote violence. That is just sick!

I concur with Diane Disney Miller, and I appreciate that she would step forward with her statement.

 

[Astronuc]

We have officially registered for the Pin event, but haven't made our pin selection yet - that usually requires careful coordination and planning to make sure we increase our chances of getting what we want. One good thing about this year's pin theme is that there's a lot of pins with Figment, a character that we do not collect. So at least, we're not being tempted by many pins that we want. But the few that we do want are amazing, especially the sets and the jumbo pins.

I didn't realize that pin collecting was such a strategic matter. What or who is Figment? And what is the motivation behind collecting certain characters and not others?

So now, there are 3 very different trips to look forward to.

I now think of Zz as Dr. Dizzney.

 

[ZapperZ]

I didn't realize that pin collecting was such a strategic matter. What or who is Figment? And what is the motivation behind collecting certain characters and not others?

Figment is a character in the Imagination pavilion at Epcot. He's a dragon (I think). People collect the characters that they love. The most popular ones are of course Mickey, Tinker Bell, and even Stitch has a huge following. We here tend to collect Donald and all the other ducks (Scrooge, the nephews).

The good thing about collecting a particular character, or just a few characters, is that it will stop you from buying everything in sight, or everything that you like. Working on a few characters or themes (I also collect park icons pins) will limit what you will buy and keep. However, we also buy things we don't collect, especially if they're limited edition, so that we can use those for pin trading with people who do collect those things.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Well, it wasn't easy, but I found a couple of picture of Figment from the Journey in Imagination ride at Epcot (hint: if you're easily bored, don't bother with this attraction). One is blurry because the vehicle was moving when I snapped the picture, but I think you get the idea of what he looks like, and why I don't collect anything of him. Still, I know of several people who do.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

New http://www.o-meon.com/pages/news_briefs/2007/05-14_Disney_Stamps.htm" stamps have just been announced, just in time for the new 41-cent rate. No news on when exactly they will start appearing.

They look terrific, especially the Sorcerer Mickey and the Dumbo-Timothy stamps. I hope they make those into large size posters.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney hopes to capture a large audience in China with http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2007-05-16-disney-china_N.htm?csp=34". Its new movie, in partnership with the state-run China Film Group, is called The Magic Gourd. It will be Disney's first Chinese language movie.

I wonder if we'll get to see it. I'm already thinking of the reverse scenario where the movie will be dubbed into English, and all the lips of those people talking won't match what they're saying. I'd see the movie JUST for that!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Wow. I just realized that this thread passed its 2-year anniversary last week!

How time flies!

:)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Since we are doing the Disney Dining Plan on this trip, and since I want to get to eat at some of my most favorite places, I have made advanced dining reservations to use up our Table Service points. Moonbie may remember some of them, like Boma and Crystal Palace. However, we will be trying two new places on this trip (always good to try new things that we haven't done before). They are the Garden Grill at Epcot, and Donald Breakfastosaurus at Animal Kingdom.

Here are the complete list of where we will be having our table dining service:

May 28, 4:30 PM - http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/dining/diningDetail?id=GardenGrillDiningPage", Epcot
May 30, 8:50 AM - http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/dining/diningDetail?id=RestaurantosaurusCharacterDiningPage", Animal Kingdom
May 31, 5:00 PM - http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/dining/diningDetail?id=RestaurantMarrakeshDiningPage", Epcot
June 1, 5:40 PM - http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/dining/diningDetail?id=BomaFlavorsofAfricaDiningPage", Animal Kingdom Lodge
June 2, 11:50 AM - http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/dining/diningDetail?id=TheCrystalPalaceDiningPage", Magic Kingdom.

We will have one left-over table service to use, which gives us a bit of a flexibility to make last-minute decisions. We might end up using it on our very last day before we fly out at Coral Reef Restaurant at Epcot. But that is yet to be determined by the rest of the group.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Pirates of the Caribbean - At World's End had its world premier last night at Disneyland. Laughing Place has http://www.laughingplace.com/Live.asp" .

The movie will premier this Friday in the US (and probably Canada). However, a few theaters will show the movie Thursday evening, so as they say, check your local listing.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney finally has an "official" reaction to that stupid and despicable use of a https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=1327406&postcount=2873" by Hamas. If you recall, they were using such lookalike in a children TV show that was later pulled off the air. Diane Disney Miller, the only surviving daughter of Disney, was the only one who made a strong condemnation of that TV show.

Now Bob Iger, the CEO of Disney, http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4822751.html" on it, and the Walt Disney Company's decision to not make any comment or reaction when the news about the TV show spreading.

"We didn't mobilize our forces and seek to either have the clip taken down or to make any broad public statement about it," Iger told a gathering of the Society of Business Editors and Writers at the Disneyland Hotel.

"We were appalled by the use of our character to disseminate that kind of message," he said "I think anytime any group seeks to exploit children in that manner, it's despicable."

Still, Iger said it didn't seem to make any sense for Disney to make any loud public statement at the time.

"I just didn't think it would have any effect," he said. 'I think it should have been obvious how the company felt about the subject."

Bob Iger, ever since he took over the company, has done almost everything right. I would include this to be one of it.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Here's a friendly hint, especially if you're a teen: when you go to the Happiest Place on Earth, http://www.local6.com/news/13362859/detail.html" and spit at other guests. And certainly do not start fighting with the sheriff deputy, because you just might get tasered, and your horrible pictures might be splattered on the news. Your parents must be so proud of you now!

Yup! School holidays are here!

I just hope I don't bump into these type of losers when I'm there next week.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Pirates of the Caribbean will be opening on Thursday at 8:00 pm in many theaters in the US. Check your local listing!

And I've packed and repacked at least 3 times already, with enough clothes to last 2 weeks! (Why do I keep doing that?). I don't know how I'm going to get through Thursday at work. Wish I could take the day off, but alas, I have one review report due tomorrow!

The trip report will begin on Monday after I get to the Happiest Place on Earth. Till then...

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Laughing that you've packed and repacked and overpacked. You know you just need shorts and t-shirts...leave room in the luggage for the stuff you'll come back with!

Have a great time! I wish I could be at Disney instead of heading to NJ this weekend. Can someone talk to my funding agencies and tell them they need to adjust the deadlines to accommodate off-peak Disney trips?

 

[ZapperZ]

Laughing that you've packed and repacked and overpacked. You know you just need shorts and t-shirts...leave room in the luggage for the stuff you'll come back with!

But with the warm weather and such, I have to pack almost twice the amount of t-shirts and shorts, since I expect to change my outfit when we get back to our room in late afternoon for a shower.

Hey, if Cher can have 8 different outfit change during her concert, I can have 2 in one day!



Besides, I have to pack my tripod, my trading pins, my camera, my honey-roasted peanuts (which I only crave for when I'm on a plane), beach towels (so that we can mark our territory while waiting for the fireworks/parade), enough sunblock lotion to cover half of the Magic Kingdom, etc.. etc. Luckily, Chuck is bringing his laptop, so I don't have to lug mine.

Have a great time! I wish I could be at Disney instead of heading to NJ this weekend. Can someone talk to my funding agencies and tell them they need to adjust the deadlines to accommodate off-peak Disney trips?

I'll have the Mouse talk to them. How dare they!

I just submitted my review report, and now I'm going to get people together to plan for lunch today, and then I'm going to escape!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Almost there!

Spent a great time in the Fredricksburg area over the weekend, and we're now at Dulles airport waiting for our flight to Orlando. So in a few hours, we will be at the Happiest Place on Earth.

We have a dinner reservation at Alfredo's at the Italian Pavilion at Epcot at 6:45 PM. If everything goes according the schedule, will JUST barely make it there after checking in. Cross your fingers!

Our next transmission will be from the Walt Disney World. See you then!

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Have a good flight and enjoy! I had no idea you were headed toward the Fredricksburg area first...I passed pretty close to that way on my way back from NJ (my alternative route takes me even closer). I could have made a pitstop and said "hi" before continuing on home yesterday. Oh well, probably would have just made me more jealous seeing you in your on-the-way to Disney state of ecstasy.

Looking forward to the latest set of photos.

 

[ZapperZ]

We finally made it to The Happiest Place on Earth. We flew in about 3:30 pm, and made it to our "home" at Old Key West in just about an hour after that. Not bad for having to wait for the luggage and picking up the rental car.

We then headed straight to Epcot. Of course, the Flower and Garden Festival is in full bloom (pun intended).

We went to the Mexico pavilion to do the Fiesta ride. It was OK, but parts if it felt like It's A Small World. They also depended too much on videos. It certainly is better than the old outdated show they had earlier, but I was hoping they do better.

We had dinner at Alfredo. The whole dining experience started out quite well. We got seated ahead of our reservation time, had a wonderful salad (the capresse salad), the place was very festive (the staff kept singing and clapping, and dancing), and then the main entree arrived and it was a let down. We both ordered pasta dishes, but both appeared as if it had sat for a while before they were delivered to our table. The pasta was lukewarm and clumped together. They tasted OK, but no Italians worth his/her heritage would serve pasta stuck together like that. So that part was rather disappointing.

This is a picture in Alfredo when they got the guests to twirl their napkins.

We then stayed for IllumiNations, my most favorite nighttime show in all of WDW. They have altered the beginning narrations, and Siemens name can be found easily all over it. It is still a kick-ass show.

We're tired after traveling and spending the evening at Epcot. Tomorrow promises to be a full day. We might start at The Magic Kingdom since it has an early extra Magic Hour tomorrow, but we'll see.

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Was the wind blowing during the Illuminations show? It looks like the fireworks are all being blown sideways (to the right in the photos).

Too bad the dinner was disappointing, but good to know. Sounds like they need to remember to focus on the service and food rather than just the entertainment. I'd be incredibly disappointed with lukewarm, clumped together pasta too.

 

[ZapperZ]

Was the wind blowing during the Illuminations show? It looks like the fireworks are all being blown sideways (to the right in the photos).

That's very observant of you. Yes, the wind was blowing to the right last night. In fact, it was a perfect evening for Illuminations. Too bad we didn't filmed anything! :)

Zz.

 

[Stevedye56]

Those pictures look so cool. The colors of the fireworks and the neon lights came out crystal clear and there's no space distortion around the edge of the light in the picture. It looks so nice, I wish I could go back.

 

[ZapperZ]

We had a great 2nd day at WDW. We started out hearing some DVC sales talk about buying more points to add to our existing points. They're letting us buy DVC points at OKW at a $10 discount. It was tempting, but we need to think this over a bit. So we'll decide after we get back.

We then headed out to Disney-MGM Studios. They were rather busy mid-morning. Tower of Terror was running 40 minutes wait, with Fastpasses going for 12:30 pm or later. We didn't feel like doing it since we will get to do this a few times later in the week. So we went to the Animation Studios. We got to draw Mickey, but unlike the ones that I've done earlier, this Mickey was in profile. I'll upload what I drew later but I think it came out rather well, if I must say so myself.

The Hat had stuff in front of it for the private party event on Saturday night. Yours truly will be attending the party, which will be headlined by Kathy Griffin.

We then headed out to Animal Kingdom. We made a beeline to Finding Nemo The Musical. It was terrific. If you have seen the stage show of The Lion King, you will be amazed at it. If you have never seen the stage show of The Lion King, you will be utterly astounded by it. It is a terrific show. A must see.

We then did Everest (of course). It is still as great of a ride as ever. Too bad they no longer use the mist/steam.

We then stayed for Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade. Last time we saw this was in 2003. This time, not only did we take pictures, but we also videotaped it. I'll edit it and upload it after we get back, so look out for it.

Tonight, we'll spend a relaxing day at our resort and Downtown Disney. We will have a long day tomorrow, starting with the Donald Breakfastosaurus at AK early in the morning. It should be the last time we get to do this since this is going to be moved to the Tusker house to become part of its character greeting table service for b'fast, lunch, and maybe even dinner.

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Glad to hear you're okay today! It's all over the news that 6 people were injured on the Kali River Rapids ride and it's closed down until they figure out what went wrong. Something about a problem where the people offload from boats onto the dock, but the news didn't have much to say about it other than it happened and the injuries were "non-fatal" though that's also pretty uninformative. It could be anything from a few bumps and cuts to broken bones and concussions.

 

[ZapperZ]

Glad to hear you're okay today! It's all over the news that 6 people were injured on the Kali River Rapids ride and it's closed down until they figure out what went wrong. Something about a problem where the people offload from boats onto the dock, but the news didn't have much to say about it other than it happened and the injuries were "non-fatal" though that's also pretty uninformative. It could be anything from a few bumps and cuts to broken bones and concussions.

We're fine. I was at AK yesterday when it happened, but I didn't hear about the accident till I got back to the resort and checked the news. Kali River Rapids was running today. It appears that it was the platform sensor that went nuts that caused the accident.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

We're back at Old Key West to rest a bit after a very busy day. We started out at AK for the Breakfastosaurus. It was a lot of fun. Mickey, Donald, Pluto, and Goofy were all there. Our server, Mikesaurus, was particularly fun and "goofy" and kept us all entertained (I gave him an extra tip even though the tip was included with our Dining Plan). We actually arrived an hour early than our reservation at 8:50 am. But since AK has the early Extra Magic Hours today, we thought that even if we could not get an early seating, we would be able to do the park before it opens to everyone. Well, we actually did get seating early. So we ate and then did Everest. We actually did Everest twice. In between we were at Camp Minnie and Mickey and also saw Festival of the Lion King.

Waiting to get in for your Breakfastosaurus at the Restaurantosarus. Everything in there has a "saurus" attached to its name.

Here's Donald going around greetings all of his fans, like us. In fact, when our server Mikesaurus asked if we like Mickey, it has a smattering of applause, but when he asked about Donald, there was a louder cheers (mainly because Chuck and I were going on like a couple of monkeys).

Mickey was there as well.

We went on Everest and met this rather woolly creature. Anyone knows what this is? :)

The Festival of the Lion King. Another terrific live show at AK, which now has two! The other being the Finding Nemo show.

Before we left, we went on Everest one more time! Gee, do you think this is a rather fast ride?

[continue...]

 

[ZapperZ]

[... continue]

We then headed over to The Magic Kingdom. Of course, we can't help but asked to ride in the front cab, and we did! We even got our Monorail Pilot cards.

The Magic Kingdom. I always take several pictures of the Castle no matter how many time I've been there. It's almost a tradition.

We went on Pirates, which has a 35 minute wait, and then got on Thunder Mountain Railroad using a fastpass (the standby wait was probably 45 mins).

They had a Family Day parade or show of some kind in front of City Hall.

We resting a bit before heading to the airport (no, we're not leaving yet) to pick up our friends who are arriving from Los Angeles. They are WDW virgins and we're going to be showing them around. If they get in early enough (so far their plane are 1 1/2 hour delayed), we might head back to the Magic Kingdom for Wishes, if we have time.

Tomorrow we do MGM in the morning and then Epcot in the afternoon/evening, since we have a reservation at Marakesh.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

This is a continuation of what we did yesterday. We picked up our friends at the airport, and then, after they checked in, we rushed to the Magic Kingdom. Had dinner and then stayed to watch SpectroMagic and Wishes.

SpectroMagic was find as usual. However, I think they were showing us the "light" version (no pun intended). Having watched this parade many times (and with 2 versions of it in my video collection that I've uploaded), I tend to remember it very well. This time, many things were either parred down, or simply didn't work! The "mountain" didn't open up to reveal chernobog! That was the biggest disappointment of the night!

The dancing ostriches also went "light". There used to be 3 of them on each side. Now, there's only 1 on each side.

At least the Princess was there! :)

We then moved to Main Street to see Wishes. I was going to snap pictures of it (as if I don't have enough already), but just as I started to snap a few, I had a low battery signal. I could have switched battery, but I thought I should just enjoy the show. So I only got a few pictures. This is one of them.

Today, we're going back to Disney-MGM and spend the morning there. We want to show our friends from LA what the Tower of Terror is like here and how they missed an important part of the set up with the one they constructed at California Adventure. Later in the afternoon, we'll head to Epcot and will do dinner at Marakesh and stay for IllumiNations. Epcot has the extra Magic Hours this evening, so we'll see how much energy I have left tonight to stay up that late.

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Maybe they're short-staffed this week. I would imagine that since it's off-season right now, they may have let more than the usual staff take the week off for their own holidays or all the student workers are busy with final exams so taking time off. Though, the college students should all be done with exams now, but perhaps the summer hires/interns haven't arrived yet. Unless something happened that has damaged a bunch of floats and costumes.

 

[ZapperZ]

We're back at our resort for a short break and relaxation after spending the morning at Disney-MGM Studios. This is going to be a short report because we're heading to Epcot for the afternoon/evening and the extra Magic Hours. However, I wanted to report this:

WE WERE SELECTED AND RECEIVED THE DREAM FASTPASSES AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS!

We were about to board the vehicle at the Great Movie Ride when a cast member announced that we are the lucky guests to get the Dream Fastpasses as part of the YOMD celebration. We cheered like wild monkeys while some of the guests looked around not knowing what that meant or what was going on.

It was fantastic. I didn't think we'd win or get anything, so this was a wonderful surprise. Still, we had done all the attractions that we wanted to do, so we decided NOT to use the fastpasses and keep all the "tabs" that we were supposed to tear out at each of the fastpass attraction. So these are the 2 Dream Fastpasses with their tabs intact.

I can't remember the last time I win anything. This was a terrific bonus even when it really isn't that big of a deal. I'm just happy I got some of the "million" dreams that they're giving out. In fact, after all the "promotion" that I've done for Disney, I think I deserve this! :)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

This is a short report from yesterday. We of course started out at Disney-MGM Studios. This is a picture from inside the "fateful" ride - The Great Movie Ride - where we received our Dream Fastpasses. I didn't get that many pictures mainly because I was busy trying to read the instructions written on the fastpasses during the ride! :)

They are still having the Star Wars weekend there.

We hopped over to Epcot in the evening. Epcot always looks very lovely during the Flower and Garden Festival.

We did Spaceship Earth, and got to see for the first time the exit area that has been empty for such a long time. It is also interesting that they are still planning to add more stuff there.

Had dinner at Marakesh and it was wonderful as always. Went shopping around World Showcase and did Maelstorm. Love that little ride, but they stopped it right after we did the final plunge. Didn't know they could stop the boat that fast right after we reached the highest speed! :)

We saw IllumiNations, and then stayed for the extra Magic Hours. We did Test Track and then headed over to the Finding Nemo attraction, but it was down. We were told it would be open about 1/2 hour later, so we went to do Living with the Land (Soarin' was approaching 1 hr wait and we didn't feel like standing in line that long). By the time we got out of The Land pavilion, Finding Nemo was back on and we walked right up to the loading area. It's a wonderful attraction, especially at the end when the animated first were superimposed with the real fish. That's really cool.

We then went to do Turtle Talk. This is the first time we're seeing the newly renovated area. Obviously, they had to work within the existing structure. That's the only reason I can think of for letting this pillar stay in the middle of the entrance to Turtle Talk theater. It's highly annoying, but if they can't get rid of it, they can't get rid of it.

We left Epcot around 11:30 pm after a full day.

Today, we will do Animal Kingdom (again!), and go to Downtown Disney after lunch. We will probably go back to the resort and rest a bit before heading to AKL for our reservation at Boma. I want to get there early to be able to see some of the animals there (and I don't mean the people around the pool area! :D). We will probably turn in early tonight since we will have a full day tomorrow. We will be doing The Magic Kingdom all day, and then the party at Disney-MGM Studios in the evening. So I certainly need all the beauty sleep that I can get! :)

Zz.

 

[hypatia]

Wow Zz, how could we think your doing anything other then having the best time of your life? Congrats on winning the pass!