Disney World PF Gathering and Tips for Disney Mania!

[ZapperZ]

Just a short report this time. We had a great day at AK. Did Everest again (twice), the safari, Bugs Life, Dinosaur, and Primeval Whirl, which btw was spinning FASTER than I ever remember it. Maybe it was just that car that I was in, but it was a screamer.

Here are a couple of pictures from the safari ride. This was the vehicle that we rode in.

I was very happy to see the baby rhino that I've heard about.

We then rested a while at our resort. It has finally started to rain out here, and supposedly a major storm is expected in the area over night and into most of tomorrow. They are desperately hoping for rain, but it's too bad it had to come in the next couple of days.

We then headed to Boma. As usual, the food was outstanding and the service was excellent. Our server Paul was very efficient and very friendly. I think I gained enough weight to have to do my workout for the next few months just to lose all the stuff I ate tonight. That seafood soup was unbelievable as usual, and they had a lamb stew tonight that would go so, so well with buttered noodles! Here again are a couple of pictures at Boma.

I could seriously pig out like mad at this place. Since it was raining, we couldn't get out to the animal viewing areas. So that was a bummer. We decided to turn in early so that we can get to the Magic Kingdom tomorrow early. Besides, I think it would be nice to really relax for an evening not doing anything. I also have to start thinking of how to get all of the stuff that we bought home with us. A lot of stuff are already being shipped home directly from Disney after we purchase them. But we still have quite a few pins that we bought and a few frame sets that we got for just $15 a piece since we bought so much stuff (they make excellent gifts, especially for Christmas).

We will have our last full day tomorrow, which will be spent at the MK. Tomorrow evening will be at Disney-MGM Studios for the private party that starts at 8:00 pm. I'll try to get as many pictures as possible, but I hope it doesn't rain too heavily or else things are not going to be pretty. I'm also hoping to be able to ride Tower of Terror at least 4 times tomorrow night. :)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

We are having Tropical Storm Barry coming over central Florida today, and a tornado watch being issued in the area. Will those stop us from spending the day at The Magic Kingdom? Not on your life!

Unless the park is closed, we will be at MK all day today. Maybe with the weather, many people will not be there, which will make it even better. We have our ponchos ready, and extra socks/sandals in case our shoes get wet. We're ready!

The event at Disney-MGM Studios tonight will start at 8:00 pm. If I'm not too tired, I'll try to post a report later today/tonight. If not, I'll post more after I get home. We check out tomorrow morning, but will be spending our last day at Epcot. We fly out at 6:00 pm tomorrow, so we'll have plenty of time to enjoy our last day here, including getting that free character Meet and Greet for Disney Visa cardholders (love those freebies). Can't believe it is already close to the end.

Our next trip will be a short 4-day visit to attend the Pin Celebration event at Epcot in early Sept. We now know a lot more pin traders, especially from the Chicago area. So this event will be a lot of fun with many familiar faces.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

With all the bad weather expected and predicted for today, it was an amazingly wonderful time! The threat of bad weather certainly, I'm sure, caused many people to change their plans. That made the morning part of the day not very crowded at all.

The day started off looking very ominous. It was drizzling, and the sky didn't look too nice. This is what I snapped when we were about to leave our room at OKW.

Still, we got to the Magic Kingdom rather early before they opened and were in time to see the Welcome show.

Even by mid-morning, the place wasn't that crowded still, although it was still drizzling on and off.

We did all the rides in Fantasyland first, before all the families with kids show up and the lines get long. This is from It's A Small World.

I've never seen the Monster's Inc Laughing Floor, so that's where we aimed for after our Fantasyland romp. It was a great show and hysterically funny.

We then headed on over to Buzz Lightyear ride. I've always liked this ride, but wish the weapon can be pulled out like the one at Disneyland.

In the afternoon, we did teacups. While the crowd was building up, it was still only a 5 min wait to do Teacups.

It was certainly getting crowded by late afternoon, but still bearable. The weather, while overcast sometime, and sunny now and then, was not unpleasant at all.

BTW, this is something I've noticed since the first day I got here. I've heard about this Croc footwear before, and have heard about them getting the Disney license to manufacture these, but this is the first time I'm seeing these footwear, and they're everywhere. They look kinds funny to me, but they're rather quite comfortable (I tried one). I was tempted to buy one, but the price tag stopped me - each pair is around $37. I have enough sandals as it is. Still, maybe I'll change my mind on my next trip.

We rode back to the Transportation and Ticket center in the front monorail again (love doing that!) and got another Monorail co-pilot card.

We're resting a bit before getting some dinner and then heading out for the party at Disney-MGM Studios. Not sure if I will have time to post anything after that. If I don't, then this will be my final transmission from the Happiest Place on Earth. I will post more pictures and more of my report after I get home and recover a bit.

Thanks for reading!

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

With all the bad weather expected and predicted for today, it was an amazingly wonderful time! The threat of bad weather certainly, I'm sure, caused many people to change their plans. That made the morning part of the day not very crowded at all.

It probably kept out the locals, and even some of the tourists who only get tickets for part of their visit, so wait for a better day. When I was a kid, we used to always pick an overcast, drizzly day to go to amusement parks too, because the crowds and lines were always minimal, and usually the sun would come out for enough time for most of the rides to open at some point during the day (a few always closed if there were high winds or drizzle, but you just did other things during that time, and if it downpoured, you just take that time to stop for food or walk through shops). Many of Disney's attractions are indoors anyway, so other than getting a bit damp between things, that sounds like a good plan (and probably not so hot either without the sun beating on you).

BTW, this is something I've noticed since the first day I got here. I've heard about this Croc footwear before, and have heard about them getting the Disney license to manufacture these, but this is the first time I'm seeing these footwear, and they're everywhere. They look kinds funny to me, but they're rather quite comfortable (I tried one). I was tempted to buy one, but the price tag stopped me - each pair is around $37. I have enough sandals as it is. Still, maybe I'll change my mind on my next trip.

A lot of the staff at the hospital wear those. Scrubs aren't exactly attractive anyway, so they don't care what they look like as long as they're comfortable. I've heard great things about them being extremely comfortable for standing all day. I'll have to try them on next time I'm at Disney. (I just have to figure out when that will be.)

Glad you didn't get totally rained out today and are still having so much fun (though, I figured it would take more than a tropical storm to dampen your mood at Disney ).

 

[ZapperZ]

I'm back to reality!

It was a wonderful trip, but awfully tiring. Since I had to play "tour guide" to a couple of our friends who were making their first trip to WDW, it was a bit more hectic than the normal pace that I am used to. Still, we had a great time.

The "Red Shirt" day at the Magic Kingdom went amazingly smoothly, mainly because many folks probably got scared away due to the weather. We did almost every single ride in Fantasyland well before 10:30 am, so we avoided a lot of the long lines that formed later on that day. The whole park was still not as crowded as it would normally be at that time of the year. We had rain on and off all day (and evening), but nothing to stop people from doing all the stuff if they want to. We had a terrific time, and once again, had a great Jungle Cruise captain who played along with the rather "red" crowd in her boat. It was a lot of fun.

Saturday evening party at Disney-MGM Studios went well for the first half. They held us at the Light, Motor, Action stadium while they clear up the rest of the park of the regular guests. What was amazing to me was that, for the first time ever, a Disney representative took to the stage to officially welcome us to the event. It was the first official acknowledgment of the Disney company of the "event" at their theme park after 17 years! Better late than never. But then again, the first few years were only made up of a bunch of friends going to MK wearing red shirts. And now, it has grown into a 140,000 strong attendance.

At 9:30 pm, Kathy Griffin took to the stage and she was at her outrageous best! Let's just say that you'll never hear or see that kind of a show at Disney! :) No one was safe. She took shots at Donald Trump, Star Jones, Ryan Seacrest, etc.. etc. She was hysterical. She did her set in a light drizzle that didn't dampen her enthusiasm at all (no pun intended). That alone was worth the admission price.

We then got herded into the rest of the park, especially by the Sorcerer Hat and the Tower of Terror-Rock 'N Rollercoaster area. There were just a lot more people than I remember from previous years. Star Tours, Tower of Terror, and Rock 'N Roller Coaster were all open, but the lines are just unbelievably long! I used to be able to ride these things multiple times during this event, and that night, I didn't even want to stay in lines that long. So I didn't ride any.

Donna Summer was supposed to perform at 11:30 pm, but she was late. With drizzle and all, and having had a rather long day, I was running out of energy really fast, and by 11:40 pm, we decided to call it quits just as Donna Summer took to the stage. She had someone held an umbrella over her while she sang! What a diva! :)

We left anyway, and by the time we reached our resort, we could hear from a distance the fireworks going on. They were almost 15 minutes late.

We spend out last day at Epcot and had a leisure time around the park before heading out to the airport. It was the end of another memorable and wonderful vacation at the Happiest Place on Earth. I'm disappointed that I didn't get the special Mickey ears hat that they give to selected guess, but I guess getting that Dream Fastpass was more than what we were expecting.

I will post more pictures and a few other commentaries once I recover from this trip. Now, I just need to find that switch for me to get back into the work mode.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

One of the things I've always wanted was a picture of me on a ride. It's not easy because usually the whole group gets on the ride with us and so there's no one standing outside of the ride to take a picture. Luckily, this time, it is different. One member of our group does not like the "fast" or "drop" rides. This rules out all roller coasters, and even Splash Mountain for him.

So since he won't come with us on the ride, we made him take our pictures whenever possible. This picture contains yours truly as he's about to take the final plunge at Splash Mountain!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

The following are pictures from the One Mighty Party event at Disney-MGM Studios. We entered through a side entrance because the park wasn't closed yet. We get to see a large section of the backstage area one one side of the MGM main vehicle entrance.

They were holding us away from the rest of the regular guests at the Lights, Motor, Action stadium. Those if us who got there early got to go right on "stage", but as soon as capacity was reached, it was closed off and the rest of the attendees had to stay in the grand stand. By around 9:00 pm, even the grand stand was almost 3/4 full.

Kathy Griffin came on at 9:30 pm and proceeded to rock the crowd. There were a few technical glitches with the mic, but other than that, we were all in stitches as she dissed one celebrity after another.

After Kathy finished her set, we were then herded towards the main part of the party, which is Star Tours, the Sorcerer Hat, Tower of Terror, and Rock 'N Rollercoaster. As we walk along the Street of NY to get there, it was a bit of a sight to see signs like this. This was where the Honey I Shrunk the Kids play set sign usually appear.

[cont...]

 

[ZapperZ]

[...cont]

The plaza in front of the hat became a major dance area and the music was pumping. In fact, they had music pumping in from the entrance and all over the accessible area of the partygoers.

The crowd was lively, and everyone headed to their favorite ride, which for most, was Tower of Terror and Rock 'N Rollercoaster.

It was actually a terrific event. Having an opening act to hold the crowd first while they empty out the park was a good idea. Not only do they get to have the crowd longer, it also made for a boatload of beverage sales, the lines of which never grew short. So this was certainly a good idea. I just wish that I'm younger with more energy that can survive through one of these things with only a few hours of sleep. So I guess I'm just getting too old for this.

:)

We are planning on skipping going to WDW again at this time next year. We will still go in Sept., but just not during the Memorial Day week. Not sure what we'll do. Maybe go to LA and do Disneyland again? Now that's an idea!



Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

This is from our last day at the Happiest Place on Earth. We spent it at Epcot. But before that, the rain that was on and off throughout the day before is gone. This is the view on the balcony right outside our room. I can see clearly now the rain is gone... it's going to be a bright, bright, sun shiny day! :)

We checked our luggage with the bell hop and then headed straight to Epcot. They were in the final weekend of the Flower and Garden Fesitval.

We headed headed off to see Figment, even though it isn't something I enjoy.

We had lunch at Le Cellier. I already reported my dining experience there, so I won't go into it here.

But while we were waiting for our table, a few cast members there sang O' Canada to us. That was a nice diversion.

We went to Soarin' after lunch with our fast pass. The regular standby queue line is still under construction, so you don't get to see those big lighted pictures and the trivia video screen.

After that, we barely had a few minutes left to take advantage of the Disney Visa Rewards Character Meet 'N Greet. Mickey and Pluto were there and we took lots of pictures with them.

Unfortunately, it was time to leave for the airport. We will miss it, but look forward to our next trip in early Sept. for the Pin event.

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

From looking at the photos from your party on red shirt day, all I have to say is...how come the gay men are always the cutest ones?! That is a crowd of HUNKS!

 

[ZapperZ]

From looking at the photos from your party on red shirt day, all I have to say is...how come the gay men are always the cutest ones?! That is a crowd of HUNKS!

It's all cosmetics and hair gel, I tell ya!



Zz.

 

[stuart888]

The hydraulic system on Disney's Dinosaur ride are high tech for sure. Is there some detail somewhere that explains in detail how they work, and are made?

Thanks, Stuart

 

[ZapperZ]

The hydraulic system on Disney's Dinosaur ride are high tech for sure. Is there some detail somewhere that explains in detail how they work, and are made?

Thanks, Stuart

I don't know of any, but it doesn't mean I won't go looking for it. :)

Note that the vehicle used for the Dinosaur attraction at Animal Kingdom is also the same type used for the Indiana Jones attraction at Disneyland theme park.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Holly Mouse! This has got to be the largest hidden Mickey ever!

Thanks to John Frost at The Disney Blog. This is a google map of an area about 20 miles from Walt Disney World. We don't know what it is, but I am inclined to think that this person who owns this land has got to either be a big Disney fan, or completely oblivious to the fact that whatever is growing in those fields are in the shape of Mickey's head.

http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&t=h&om=1&ll=28.450581,-81.707168&spn=0.015697,0.029182&z=15

It is kinda neat, actually.

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

It's definitely cultivated...perhaps an orange grove? As you zoom in, you can see that it's trees planted in rows, and a clear border cleared around it. Definitely intentional. I guess if you're going to live so close to Disney, why not? Neat that someone found it on google maps. I just wonder who owns it and if they have any affiliation to Disney or just did it for their own amusement. Maybe a road trip is in order next time you're in the area.

 

[ZapperZ]

It's definitely cultivated...perhaps an orange grove? As you zoom in, you can see that it's trees planted in rows, and a clear border cleared around it. Definitely intentional. I guess if you're going to live so close to Disney, why not? Neat that someone found it on google maps. I just wonder who owns it and if they have any affiliation to Disney or just did it for their own amusement. Maybe a road trip is in order next time you're in the area.

Yeah, most people seem to guess that it is an orange grove, especially since this is in Florida.

I'm waiting for some celestial event where 3 planets somehow almost line up and coincidentally form a Mickey head. That would beat this as the biggest hidden Mickey ever.



Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

A new attraction opens today at the Disneyland theme park. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage opens at the same location (and use almost the same submarine) that was occupied by 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction that was closed about 9 years ago.

There's already a http://kori-and-ken.blogspot.com/2007/06/we-looked-for-nemo.html" ! It looks like it shares some similarity with The Seas with Nemo and Friends attraction at Epcot. Still, it might be just enough incentive to go back to Disneyland next year. Anyone else coming along?



Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

I https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=1313885&highlight=zagat#post1313885" that I participated in the Zagat first ever survey of the Walt Disney World. The survey was published about a month ago, and it is touted as the "insider's" guide to WDW. One of the rewards for participating in the survey is that you get a free copy of the report.

I have received the copy (and have been reading it ever since). Ironically, it arrived after we got back from our last WDW vacation, not that we were intending on using it.

Although I've done almost every top-rated restaurants/attractions/etc. there, there are, surprisingly, still a few left that other Disney fans ranked highly that I haven't done! <shock!>

So that is just more of an incentive to go back, don't you think?

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

I always smile with glee whenever I can somehow combine "physics" with "Disney". It doesn't happen very often. I can think of only one other time on here in which it has occurred - when it was found that Enrico Fermi actually was a big fan of Winnie the Pooh and used various characters from it to name several of his instruments. While Pooh isn't strictly an original Disney character, it still has a strong Disney connection.

Now comes an even more direct connection. My "boss", the http://newsblaze.com/story/20070614140044tsop.nb/newsblaze/TOPSTORY/Top-Stories.html" to promote energy conservation. Various characters from the upcoming Disney-Pixar movie "Ratatouille" will be making appearances in 30-second spots promoting the use of energy-conserving lightbulbs, etc.

Humm... maybe I can suggest that they have the characters visit various Nat'l Labs to promote the message! Wouldn't that be a terrific idea? Huh, huh?



Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

A heads-up for anyone who might be interested in this. While the Disney-Pixar movie "Ratatouille" will officially open June 29th, the sneak peak at a number of movie theaters will be TOMORROW evening, June 16.

You can go to the http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/ratatouille/main.html" to find the nearest theater, or check your local listing. I will be seeing it tomorrow evening at a suburban theater that has stadium seating. And from what I've heard so far about this movie, it promises to be one heck of a story and one amazing accomplishment in digital animation. Some even has proclaimed it as the best Pixar has ever produced.

Zz.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

Now comes an even more direct connection. My "boss", the http://newsblaze.com/story/20070614140044tsop.nb/newsblaze/TOPSTORY/Top-Stories.html" to promote energy conservation. Various characters from the upcoming Disney-Pixar movie "Ratatouille" will be making appearances in 30-second spots promoting the use of energy-conserving lightbulbs, etc.

That's great! Strong impressions made early in life can make a big difference.

I've always associated Disney with science. As a kid, part of the thrill of going to Disneyland was to experience the technology and a sense of the future. Tomorrowland certainly followed this theme.

I first used a video phone in about 1965, at Disneyland. Just now we see this becoming a practical reality.

 

[ZapperZ]

That's great! Strong impressions made early in life can make a big difference.

I've always associated Disney with science. As a kid, part of the thrill of going to Disneyland was to experience the technology and a sense of the future. Tomorrowland certainly followed this theme.

For many people, the original "Epcot Center" was supposed to also be just that, where you have innovations and modern technology. I think that is why many Disney purists look at Epcot now (no more "Center", thank you) as a "failure" as far as trying to stick to Walt's vision.

I don't see it as a failure, especially when I consider it to be my favorite theme park. There's no other like it anywhere in the world, not even within Disney. And that is why I plan on being there this coming Oct. 1st when it turns 25, even when Disney is ignoring it.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

We saw Ratatouille last night, and I wrote a http://mydisneymania.blogspot.com/2007/06/review-of-ratatouille.html" if you want to read it. If you have stayed away from animation movies before this because you think they are immature and only good for cheap laughs, you might change your mind with this one. It is a well-crafted movie with a definite Pixar stamp.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

During our last trip to WDW, we videotaped Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom. This is one of the better parades at WDW, but many people miss it because it is towards the late afternoon at Animal Kingdom, and AK usually closes at 6:00 pm. So not many people stay at that park that late in the day.

Still, it is a good parade, and I http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9131815357489643160&hl=en" that we took of it from this last trip. See for yourself.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

These are http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-423.asp" of the recent Star Wars Weekend at Disney-MGM Studios.

While I did visit the theme park during the last trip, I didn't get to do that during the Star Wars weekend, which is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the first Star Wars movie.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Best-Kept Secrets of the Disney Parks

Here's the Disney Insider list of the http://disney.go.com/inside/mainattraction/070612/index.html" at both the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

There certainly is more to the theme parks that meets the eye.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Just because someone brought their child to a Disney theme park does not make him/her a good parent. I've encountered many people who I often wondered whether they should have had children. Still, this particular incident blows all of them away. So file this under the category of people who should not be allowed to have children in the first place.

http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2007/6/25/child_left_in_stroller_at_disney_world.html" , IN THE HOT SUN IN THE MIDDLE OF JUNE in Florida, while they go ride the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at The Magic Kingdom. I'm not making this up!

There are no other words that can be said about these people. I'm waiting for them to come up with some excuse that they left the child in the care of another sibling or family member, etc... but for me, the jury has come back with the verdict already, no matter what excuses they can come up with.

Unbelievable!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Holly Mouse! This has got to be the largest hidden Mickey ever!

Thanks to John Frost at The Disney Blog. This is a google map of an area about 20 miles from Walt Disney World. We don't know what it is, but I am inclined to think that this person who owns this land has got to either be a big Disney fan, or completely oblivious to the fact that whatever is growing in those fields are in the shape of Mickey's head.

http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&t=h&om=1&ll=28.450581,-81.707168&spn=0.015697,0.029182&z=15

It is kinda neat, actually.

Zz.

It appears that the "mystery" to this huge hidden Mickey has been solved. It is a http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/community_conway_blog/2007/07/mickey-mouse-to.html" that was originally initiated by Disney itself.


Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

It appears that the "mystery" to this huge hidden Mickey has been solved. It is a http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/community_conway_blog/2007/07/mickey-mouse-to.html" that was originally initiated by Disney itself.


Zz.

Cool. I wonder if they had any plans to open it to the public. I think it would be neat if they could design it in a way to have trails that don't disrupt the overall view of it, and allow some camping sites.

 

[ZapperZ]

Cool. I wonder if they had any plans to open it to the public. I think it would be neat if they could design it in a way to have trails that don't disrupt the overall view of it, and allow some camping sites.

Asked around about this very thing, and so far, the couple of people I asked didn't even know about the forest, much less if there's a way to visit it. That's not going to stop me, though. I'll just have to ask around a few more people.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Farewell Epcot Wand

The dismantling of the Wand attached to Spaceship Earth at Epcot has begun. As http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-epcot0607jul06,0,495917.story?coll=orl_tab01_layout" , the wand is coming down while Spaceship Earth ride is undergoing a major rehabbing. The wand has been the bane of existence for many Disney purists who hated it with a passion. I didn't find it that offensive, and didn't mind it at all. It added a striking focal point to Spaceship Earth.

While I don't mind it being taken down, I will miss it. It will look rather "naked" next time I go to Epcot.

So, farewell Epcot wand. You will not be forgotten.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Pictures of Wand removal from yesterday

Someone at a Disney fan website posted http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?p=2369047#post2369047" slowly being taken down. Looks like they are starting with the "Epcot" letters.

It is already beginning to look bare. I'm sure it will look quite odd to me the next time I see it, very much like looking at Cindy's castle after all the gold decorations for the Happiest Celebration on Earth were removed.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Happy 52nd Birthday, Disneyland!

Today is Disneyland's 52 birthday. How time has flown. Why, it was only 2 years ago on this date that Laughing Place was updating with live pictures of 20,000 people already in line at 4:00 am to get into Disneyland for the 50th Anniversary celebration. Ah, those were the good old times!



So Happy Birthday, Disneyland!

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Someone at a Disney fan website posted http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?p=2369047#post2369047" slowly being taken down. Looks like they are starting with the "Epcot" letters.

It is already beginning to look bare. I'm sure it will look quite odd to me the next time I see it, very much like looking at Cindy's castle after all the gold decorations for the Happiest Celebration on Earth were removed.

Zz.

I didn't realize the letters were going to go with it. I just thought they were going to remove the actual wand part and the hand holding it and leave up the letters without it. Yeah, now it will look bare after having all that up there so long.

 

[ZapperZ]

There's a "brutal" picture contest at a Disney fan website on just fireworks. I haven't been doing well lately in these contests, simply because there have been just a tremendous amount of unbelievable pictures. I've made it to the final rounds a few times, but I haven't place in the top 3 for the past several months. :(

Anyway, I think I have a strong entry this time, but again, there are some very stiff competition. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Here's my entry. This was taken during IllumiNations at Epcot.

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/7015/img6486ja1.jpg

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

This is one of those stories that reinforces the fact that for many people, especially children, Disney parks are more than just "theme parks". Little Tyler, who lives in Australia, may have lost his eyesight, but http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22122503-2862,00.html", and wishes to get to meet him again. The community is collecting donations to get him and his family to Disneyland.

I wish him the best, and hopes he gets to go to the Happiest Place on Earth.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Don't you some time have a favorite movie that you have seen a few times, and could remember several lines of the dialog? I know that I've seen Star Wars (Ep. 4) enough times that I could recite some of the script in certain scenes.

Similar thing occurs at Walt Disney World as well. For many Disney fans and regular visitors, there are certain phrases and dialog that just stuck to one's head (and no, we're not talking about the It's A Small World tune). These "quotes", in fact, become popular and famous, almost as famous as the ride/attraction themselves.

Laughing Place decided to compile the Top 50 quotes from various parts of Walt Disney World. When I first read the title of the article, immediately one phrase came to mind. And guess what? That phrase is #1 on the list! :)

I think I've been guilty of muttering some of these phrases while on the attractions when they are being said, which probably annoyed some of the guests (I tried not to do it too loudly). Oh well, I'll try NOT to do that next time, but I can't promise that it won't happen "accidentally"!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

O' Canada Gets A Makeover

No, not the anthem! :)

There are many things that need upgrading all over WDW. The cheesy ride at the Mexico pavilion in Epcot recently got a major rehab by introducing the characters from Three Caballeros. Alfredo's Restaurant at the Italian pavilion is now closed for a major change. And now, the rather dated movie O' Canada at the Canadian pavilion is getting a much needed update. Disney won't say what changes has been made to the movie. We will just have to see it come Aug. 25th. That link will give you all the rumors that have leaked out regarding the new movie.

I should be able to take a quick sneak at it during the Pin Event, since this is all at Epcot.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Epcot 25th Anniversary Celebration

This is a clear proof that dedicated Disney fans can, in fact, force a change in what appeared to be a rather dumb decision. The grass root movement by a few Disney fans disgusted by Disney's decision not to do any public recognition of the upcoming Epcot's anniversary has finally caught Disney's attention. There are certainly substantial bits of info that many have received indicating that Disney will be producing some public ceremony to mark this occasion.

Yours truly have registered at the Dreamfinder website, and will be at Epcot on Oct. 1st for the celebration. So expect plenty of pictures and maybe a video or two.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Mrs. Potts Takes A Tumble

Things almost always go meticulously at Disney theme parks. So when something doesn't go quite as planned, it will make headlines and/or appear on YouTube!

This is from the Beauty and the Best show at Disney-MGM Studios. I've seen this a few times and it is certainly one of the best live shows at WDW. But obviously, something didn't go quite right during the performance for Mrs. Potts. Of course, someone WAS videotaping the show and inevitably, it ends up on YouTube.

I had to admit that the first time I saw this, I couldn't stop giggling, even after the video ended. It is just way too funny.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney To Ban Patio Heaters

It is just inevitable, you see.

Disney CEO Bob Iger this week announced that Disney movies will remove cigarette smoking from future Disney-branded movies. So it is inevitable that the next thing to be banned from Disney movies would be ...

PATIO HEATERS!

This dangerous household item has caused many accidental fires, and even give a false sense of warmth to people who should really be indoors. Thus, Disney is hoping that by removing the romance and enchantment of patio heaters in their movies, the public will no longer be tempted into getting these monsters. Either they freeze their rear ends, or go inside where it is warm and cozy.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Here's why Six Flags is not Disney.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney pulled the cork on the "Rat Wine".

It appears that due to "complaints" and inquiries, Disney has decided http://www.decanter.com/news/132789.html?aff=rss, that would have been sold at Costco. The label had Remy, the main character in Ratatouille, holding a glass of wine. Somehow, there are complaints that this might be advertising to children.



Hey, don't look at me. I'm only the messenger.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

A Taste of Oklahoma at Epcot

Congratulations to the state of Oklahoma. In recognition of its centennial celebration as a statehood this year, the state has been chosen as the first ever state to have a http://newsok.com/article/3096170.

Oklahoma, which is celebrating its statehood centennial this year, is the first state to be invited by the Walt Disney World Resort to showcase its cuisine and heritage at a display area during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

Jim MacPhee, an Epcot vice president, said this is the 12th year for the festival. It is one of the longest and largest food and wine festivals in the world, he said. More than 25 countries are featured.

Oklahoma was chosen by Disney officials, some of whom visited the state last year, as the first state because of its colorful history, MacPhee said.

I will be attending this event. Hopefully, I should be able to check out the Oklahoma's marketplace area and report back on the "food".

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney's Doorway To Dreams Store

Last Wednesday, we were lucky enough to be invited for a preview of the Disney's Doorway to Dreams store. This is a Disney Vacation Club preview store at the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, just outside of Chicago. This is the first ever DVC preview center off of Disney property, and they chose the Chicago area because of the very strong support and members involved in the DVC.

The DVC member preview started last Wednesday, and continues through today. The official Grand Opening for the general public is tomorrow, Aug. 4th. Many fun things have been scheduled, including the appearance of Mickey and friends, and plenty of free gifts (the best kind).

I've posted pictures of the member preview that we attended, and also all the goodies that we got from it. It was a very enjoyable evening.

Zz.

 

[mathwonk]

i still have my 78rpm album of uncle remus' song of the south.

"im going to knock... his... head... clean OFF!"

" naw you aint, naw you aint."

"I know what I am going to do, I am going to SKIN ya."

''thats ok, go ahead and skin me, but PLEEEZE... don't throw me in that briar patch!''

...ker plonk!

" heeyy,...whats he laffin at?"

" i said it was MY laughing place brer fox, and I am laughing!""hahahaaaaa..."
unfortunately none of my remaining turntables now go that fast.

i think i also have so dear to my heart, and treasure island, and johnny apple seed. but these disney characters are almost unknown today.

if there were only some way i could make the fundamental theorem of calculus so memorable to my students they could still quote it from memory in 60 years.

 

[ZapperZ]

Going to Walt Disney World will be a bit more expensive. Disney has just raised their ticket prices for WDW across the board.

... and we had just sent in our Annual Pass renewal 2 weeks ago. Just barely beat the price increase. Phew!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney had announced that the Year of a Million Dreams celebration http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/orl-bk-disney080707,0,4994487.story. So if you have an inkling on going, you have about 1 1/2 years left to do it to get a chance of winning one of the special prizes, or even a night at Cinderella Castle.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Goodbye Disney-MGM Studios

It is official now.

The long-rumored change of name for Disney-MGM Studios at the Walt Disney World is now officially true. Disney will change the name of that theme park in January to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

In a statement, Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort, says, "The new name reflects how the park has grown from representing the golden age of movies to a celebration of the new entertainment that today's Hollywood has to offer-- in music, television, movies and theater."

Among the additions created to support the new theme are Toy Story Mania!, an interactive ride based on the characters in the "Toy Story" films. The ride, likely to be previewed sometime before next summer, is expected to include spring-loaded guns for guests in vehicles to shoot darts at moving targets.

Maybe these things will add more reasons to stay longer at that theme park. For me, this place is something you can do in 1/2 a day and not something you want to stay for the whole day.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

This was the space shuttle launch from a couple of days ago. The video and pictures were rather cool, but I thought it was also highly appropriate that you can see it launched directly behind Mission: Space at Epcot.

I wonder if the space shuttle also have barf bags like they do in the Mission: Space ride?

Zz.