Disney World PF Gathering and Tips for Disney Mania!

[Moonbear]

That's a really adorable Thanksgiving pin.

Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney has certainly corrupted my brain. This http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/3534960/Disney-accused-by-Catholic-cleric-of-corrupting-childrens-minds.html" ! :)

Case in point. I'm reading an innocent article on a work related to the http://www.aps.org/about/physics-images/network.cfm" . It had a nice graphic to illustrate the complex structure of an economic system. No Disney-related stuff, right?

In the eyes of most ordinary people, that would be true. But what did I do with my corrupted mind? I said to myself "Oh my! I think there are Hidden Mickeys in here!", and spent the next several minutes looking for them (I found at least 3).

:)

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Disney has certainly corrupted my brain. This http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/3534960/Disney-accused-by-Catholic-cleric-of-corrupting-childrens-minds.html" ! :)

Case in point. I'm reading an innocent article on a work related to the http://www.aps.org/about/physics-images/network.cfm" . It had a nice graphic to illustrate the complex structure of an economic system. No Disney-related stuff, right?

In the eyes of most ordinary people, that would be true. But what did I do with my corrupted mind? I said to myself "Oh my! I think there are Hidden Mickeys in here!", and spent the next several minutes looking for them (I found at least 3).

:)

Zz.

This is the time of year when I especially love Disney. Cartoons and Christmas just seem to go well together for me...both bring out my inner child. I was poking around the Disney store, and found an absolutely adorable snow globe that's part of a bigger scene, but even the sale price is beyond my budget for Christmas decorations. The details are amazing. It seems they've found a way to incorporate almost every character into it...Chip and Dale are hanging out on one side, and even Cinderella's mice are on a ribbon on the other side of the tree. It's so adorable. Maybe there will be some left and at a better sale price after Christmas.

 

[ZapperZ]

This is the time of year when I especially love Disney. Cartoons and Christmas just seem to go well together for me...both bring out my inner child. I was poking around the Disney store, and found an absolutely adorable snow globe that's part of a bigger scene, but even the sale price is beyond my budget for Christmas decorations. The details are amazing. It seems they've found a way to incorporate almost every character into it...Chip and Dale are hanging out on one side, and even Cinderella's mice are on a ribbon on the other side of the tree. It's so adorable. Maybe there will be some left and at a better sale price after Christmas.

Hum... I have to go look at that. I haven't been to a Disney Store yet this holiday season. And we got mailings to notify us that Passholders can get 15% discount at the Disney Stores this season until Dec. 15. So our annual passes are actually useful even away from the parks.

So how much was the snow globe? :)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Please help!

I participate in a photo contest in Disney fan forum, and this week, the theme is "Disney Mountains". I think I narrowed my photos to these two, but I cannot make up my mind which one to use. Each of the photo has its good points and bad points from my perspective. I can't make up my mind!

So, maybe you can vote on which one I should use. They are both on Expedition Everest attraction.

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Hum... I have to go look at that. I haven't been to a Disney Store yet this holiday season. And we got mailings to notify us that Passholders can get 15% discount at the Disney Stores this season until Dec. 15. So our annual passes are actually useful even away from the parks.

So how much was the snow globe? :)

Zz.

I know I'm being an enabler here, but...

Here's the link to it. http://disneyshopping.go.com/disney/store/Product_10002_10051_1238721_-1_14857__Snowglobes-Holiday-World-of-Disney-Snowglobe

$74 is a bit much for a snow globe though. Even at 15% off the sale price, it's a bit spendy. Though, from the photos, the detail seems amazing. If I hadn't already spent a small fortune on Inge-glas ornaments (my other Christmas guilty pleasure), I might have considered it.

 

[Moonbear]

Please help!

I participate in a photo contest in Disney fan forum, and this week, the theme is "Disney Mountains". I think I narrowed my photos to these two, but I cannot make up my mind which one to use. Each of the photo has its good points and bad points from my perspective. I can't make up my mind!

So, maybe you can vote on which one I should use. They are both on Expedition Everest attraction.

Zz.

I like the top one better. There's more in the scene, including the reflection in the water.

I really need to find time to get to Disney again! The opportunity to buy a house is just too good right now, though, so I'm saving every penny for that. Once I've secured my downpayment and have time to save up some money again after that, I'll be able to consider Disney again.

 

[ZapperZ]

I know I'm being an enabler here, but...

Here's the link to it. http://disneyshopping.go.com/disney/store/Product_10002_10051_1238721_-1_14857__Snowglobes-Holiday-World-of-Disney-Snowglobe

$74 is a bit much for a snow globe though. Even at 15% off the sale price, it's a bit spendy. Though, from the photos, the detail seems amazing. If I hadn't already spent a small fortune on Inge-glas ornaments (my other Christmas guilty pleasure), I might have considered it.

Oh, I have seen that one. Didn't know that this was the same one they had at the Disney Stores. I was THIS close from getting that. Not sure what stopped me... OH WAIT, I remember now - NO MORE ROOM FOR STORAGE!

:)

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

NO MORE ROOM FOR STORAGE!

Time to move to a bigger house.

 

[~christina~]

I think the first picture is the best as well. I just think that you needed to put the camera on something stable so it doesn't have camera shake blur, but it's composition is nicer than the close up of the mountain.

 

[ZapperZ]

I think the first picture is the best as well. I just think that you needed to put the camera on something stable so it doesn't have camera shake blur, but it's composition is nicer than the close up of the mountain.

Er... the camera was on a tripod (with a 2 second delay) when both picture was taken.

It looks like the first picture seems to have a unanimous consensus. So baring last minute problems, I'll use it. The only thing that can make me change my mind is that, so far, most of the entries for the contest are pictures of the Expedition Everest attraction, with a few sprinkling of Thunder Mountain Railroad attraction. It will be hard to stand out when too many people enter the same type of picture.

I need to be different! :)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Hey Moonbie, remember this?

rAleGzqdku4[/youtube] I'll be there in a week! :) Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Today is Walt Disney's birthday.

But what is more fascinating is the further evidence that Disney and Physics DO mix well! :)

It appears that Walt Disney and Werner Heisenberg http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2008/12/dayintech_1205" . They have many similarities in their lives, two of which are that they were both born on the same day, and they won a major award in the same year!

Add to the fact that Enrico Fermi used to https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=1084492&postcount=2492", why I'm surprised that a course in Disney history is not a requirement for all physics majors!

:)

Zz.

 

[~christina~]

Er... the camera was on a tripod (with a 2 second delay) when both picture was taken.
Zz.

um..it may be the file compression then. It doesn't look as sharp as the bottom picture on the forum.

 

[ZapperZ]

Greetings from the Most Magical Place on Earth!

Epcot is decorated to the hilt for the holiday festivities.

Zz.

 

[Evo]

The blues and greens are very vibrant. Usuaullly the blue lights you see on homes are so dull.

The fireworks remind me of a lightning storm.

 

[ZapperZ]

Pictures from Mickey Very Merry Christmas Party last night. It was a spectacular event!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

As Moonbear can testify, we missed seeing the gingerbread house by one day at the Grand Floridian last time we were here at this time of the year. But not this year!

This is the infamous, and huge, gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian.

It is even more impressive to see in person. It is so big, they have a shop in there that sells gingerbread cookies, and stuff!

Zz.

 

[Hootenanny]

Wow!

I know where I'm going for Christmas next year...

Any new pins to share with us Zz?

 

[~christina~]

*claps* I LOVE those pictures! Especially Cinderella's castle and the lake. (faint)

Awesome job taking those photos Zz!

 

[Evo]

Beautiful pics Zz!

 

[ZapperZ]

Pictures from the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights from last night. I have plenty of video footage on this, which I will upload after I get back home (then you will see what is meant by the "dancing" part). Till then, here are some stills:

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Seasons Greetings, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah, and a Wonderful and Magical New Year!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

This is the video of one of the "dancing lights" that I took this past December of the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World. Of course, no picture of video can do it justice. It is more jaw-dropping to see it in person.

Vsi_6fGX1EU[/youtube] Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

News Math and Disney make entertainment

Who says Math and Disney (and also physics) do not mix?

http://media.www.thejackonline.org/media/storage/paper1142/news/2009/02/11/News/Math-And.Disney.Make.Entertainment-3620209.shtml

An Academy Award winner, DeRose discussed what earned him the award for his implementation of subdivision surfaces. Subdivision software is what makes the computer graphics in films like "Toy Story 2" and "Finding Nemo" so smooth, instead of the blocky models used in earlier films like the first "Toy Story."

During a lecture on wavelets and its applications to imaging, DeRose explained how wavelets enable the user to compress information by cutting out unnecessary details. In effect, less memory is used and not much detail is sacrificed for the sake of space. The ability to use wavelets to compress images without losing much detail in the process, can be applied to nearly all forms of communication, shortening the time to send large files.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Instruction video on how to make the peanut butter and jelly milk shake that is served at the 50s Prime Time Cafe at Disney's Hollywood Studios

j_j7Ea5vE6E[/youtube] Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

A rat in a restaurant? Why not if it is a french restaurant!

Remy makes his appearance at Chefs de France at Epcot's World Showcase.

3np-ToDshtw[/youtube] Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Review of http://www.stitchkingdom.com/exclusive/earth/" , which will open this Wednesday, April 22.

Note that Disney will plant a tree for every person who sees the movie during its opening week. If you buy advance ticket to it via Fandango, you'll receive a http://www.stitchkingdom.com/2009/04/08/buy-tickets-online-to-disneynatures-earth-and-get-a-free-re-useable-disney-shopping-bag/" from a Disney Store.

More about http://disney.go.com/disneynature/earth/".

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Famed astronomer Neil deGrasse Tyson blamed it "...on the dog..." for the public's strong reaction when Pluto was demoted from being a planet.

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=216998&title=neil-degrasse-tyson

:)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Some time, on a small number of occasions, the stars align, and both of my passion, physics and Disney, come together.

This is what happened in this article on the http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-10249396-52.html" various parts of the upcoming Disney/Pixar movie "Up".

May said that the animation department at Pixar never even considered hand-animating the balloons. But even standard computer animation wouldn't be up to the task, because of the N-squared complexity involved in the thousands of interdependent balloons. Instead, the studio's computer whizzes figured out a way to turn the problem over to a programmed physical simulator, which, employing Newtonian physics, was able to address the animation problem.

Up opens this Friday in the US. It already has received such glowing reviews ever since it had its world premier at Cannes last week, becoming the first animation and first 3D movie to be given the prestigious position to open the festival.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Tragedy struck the Disney family this morning. A monorail collision at Walt Disney World killed one monorail pilot.

http://cfnews13.com/News/Local/2009/7/5/monorail_crash_at_epcot_kills_driver.html

I just got back last July 1st from there, and we rode in the front car one time as we normally try to do at least once on every trip. With all the safety mechanisms they have, it is puzzling how such an accident could have happened.

While this accident happened on the Epcot line, Disney has shut down the whole monorail system for a system wide review. There are also speculation that Disney will no longer allow guests to sit in the front car with the monorail pilot once they get the monorail running again. It would be sad if this become a permanent policy.

I have pointed to this video before, but due to the current tragic circumstance, I'm going to mention this video again as a tribute not only to the monorail pilot, but also to all of the monorail pilots that have enhanced our trip to WDW each time we were able to sit in the front car.



Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

I saw that in the news this morning too. When is the last time (if ever) that they've done a complete overhaul of the monorail system? With the number of passengers every day, and the number of trips every day, and the number of years it's been in service, even with regular inspections, parts are bound to fail. It may be time for them to have an extended service downtime to overhaul all the safety systems. I also think they're overdue for a makeover too...when it first came out, the monorail was very futuristic, but now it's rather dated looking, and seems the same as what you find in many airports. They need to think up some way to make it at least appear modern, if not futuristic again.

 

[ZapperZ]

I saw that in the news this morning too. When is the last time (if ever) that they've done a complete overhaul of the monorail system? With the number of passengers every day, and the number of trips every day, and the number of years it's been in service, even with regular inspections, parts are bound to fail. It may be time for them to have an extended service downtime to overhaul all the safety systems. I also think they're overdue for a makeover too...when it first came out, the monorail was very futuristic, but now it's rather dated looking, and seems the same as what you find in many airports. They need to think up some way to make it at least appear modern, if not futuristic again.

Actually, the monorail vehicles themselves are quite new. They have continually upgraded the monorail with new vehicles. The current one is called Mach 5. In fact, there are also newer vehicles that are slowing replacing the current version.

There are tons of speculation going on regarding this accident. The most likely scenario is that the monorail pilot overrode the safety mechanism that would have caused the automatic breaks to kick in. He likely did not see the pink monorail that stopped way short of the station due to a mechanical problem as he made the turn into the station at Futureworld. If this is what happened, the question then is why he turned on the override.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

In the "Fly Me Away" photo contest (polling started this weekend), I entered a picture that I took while I was high up in the air during a parasailing activity. This was taken at Bay Lake at Walt Disney World.

I also had pictures taken of me while I was up in the air, which of course I could not use for our weekly contest since I didn't take 'em. But I can certainly show them here. So here they are! It was quite a rough weather, because they closed the ride as soon as they reeled me in due to the impending storm. I certainly was tossed around while I was up there, which made the activity a bit more "interesting".

So here are pictures of me dangling several hundred feet above Bay Lake.

It looks pretty high, doesn't it?

The wind was also picking up, and I was jostled around quite a bit up there. You can sense it a little bit by looking at this picture and how tilted I was at this point.

They're reeling me back down after they got word that the ride is shut down.

It was a wonderful experience, and I would certainly do it again. But next time, I would hope that it will be in calmer weather.

Zz.

 

[Doc Al]

How cool is that! Sounds like a blast.

 

[Moonbear]

That does sound fun. Though, how did you get pictures while up there? I'd be afraid to take along a camera in case of a splash landing! Though, I'm not sure I'd want to do it while a storm was blowing up.

 

[ZapperZ]

That does sound fun. Though, how did you get pictures while up there? I'd be afraid to take along a camera in case of a splash landing! Though, I'm not sure I'd want to do it while a storm was blowing up.

I took my camera, which if you remember, is one of those compact, point-and-shoot camera. I had the strap around my wrist the whole time I was up there, for obvious reason.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

I took my camera, which if you remember, is one of those compact, point-and-shoot camera. I had the strap around my wrist the whole time I was up there, for obvious reason.

Zz.

Since I've mentioned this already, here are the pictures I took while I was doing the parasailing at Bay Lake. The wind was really picking up due to the impending storm, causing me to get whipped around quite a bit while I was up there. So some of the pictures may not be as sharp as it could be since I was jostled around.

The boat crew.

Leaving the marina at the Contemporary.

I'm up!

A view at the Contemporary Resort and a bit of Magic Kingdom in the background. Space Mountain certainly was prominent.

My feet dangling several hundred feet above Bay Lake.

Zz.

 

[crazzycat]

Sailing is always so amazing, when the wind is blowing on you and the water is so close...i sailed some years ago...you photos help me to remember this wonderful moments, thanks

 

[Tsu]

Cute knees and toes, ZZ. Can I go with you next time? I would SO love to do that. Maybe when I go see my cousin in Hawaii (soon, I hope) I'll get to do it.

 

[ZapperZ]

Cute knees and toes, ZZ.

Thank you. Too bad I didn't shave my legs beforehand! :)

Can I go with you next time? I would SO love to do that. Maybe when I go see my cousin in Hawaii (soon, I hope) I'll get to do it.

Sure you can! You can go tandem with Ivan!

Zz.

 

[Tsu]

Woohooooooo!

 

[ZapperZ]

In case you haven't seen it, this is a very cool video of A Day at the Magic Kingdom.



It looks as if it is miniature model, but it really is real. It is just that it is more of a stop-motion video. That's what made it so amazing to look at.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Hey, we have a lot of members from the United Kingdom on PF. Here's your chance to vote for your favorite town to be the twin city of Walt Disney World in Florida!



Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

First we found out that https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=1084492&postcount=2492"!

Although Dirac was benign and receptive during these conversations, he was so reserved that Hofer often found himself trying to elicit a response from him – a nod or a shake of the head, a few words, anything to make the conversation less onesided. Just occasionally, Dirac would be moved to contribute a few words about one of his private enthusiasms – Chopin’s waltzes, Mickey Mouse and any television special featuring Cher, the brassy chanteuse.

:)

Zz.

 

[rewebster]

With the creation of the 'Fun, Photos & Games' category, wouldn't this tread be more appropriate in that category?

 

[ZapperZ]

This is Easter Donald Duck, produced by Hallmark. I bought this a couple of days ago, and I haven't stop laughing at it. It's hysterical! Even funnier, there's a tag attached to one of his bunny ears to NOT pick him up by the ears. But you should do it anyway! :)

So I took a quick video of it so that you can look at it. I think Disney missed a chance to sell this thing for themselves. It would have been a hit! :)

Xum2-QOyAfA[/youtube] Zz.

 

[Jimmy Snyder]

December was a cold month in South Jersey, so we saddled up and headed south. The plan was to keep going until it got warm. However, by the time we got to Ft. Lauderdale it was still in the 50s and it was in the 50s all the way to Key West, so we gave up. We stayed in Miami and slowly moved north. On Dec 30, we went to Epcot in Orlando.

I had heard that it was built as a model city of the future and a showcase of trends in cutting edge technology. With the parking fee, the entrance fee, and taxes, it came close to $300 for three people.

The first attraction we saw was the iconic golf ball building. The line to get in was long and the sign said there was a 45 minute waiting time. I thought that if we waited 45 minutes for every attraction we wouldn't see much. We by-passed that and went to an attraction called Innovention. There was practally no line there at all so I felt better about that. The most innovative thing I saw there was Velcro, not exactly a cutting edge technology any more. There was a cute game show based on Velcro. Also there was a game you could play that teaches you something about saving for the future. It was geared for children and didn't teach me anything I didn't already know and didn't exhibit any cutting edge technology. There was a computer survey you could fill out to indicated what problems face mankind, what causes the problems and how they should be solved. However it was multiple choice and my ideas were never any of the choices.

Next we went to an attraction about imagination. It seemed rather extravagant to dedicate an entire building to the message that in addition to the 5 senses, you should also use your imagination. It was geared for children.

Next we saw a short movie with the characters from The Lion King and concerning a plan to build a theme park called "Hakuna Matata Land". The message of the movie is that if you build a theme park, then you will be a polluter. This is a bizarre message considering where we were at the time.

By this time I was sure that I had just lit a match to $300. However things got better. Most of Epcot is a kind of World's Fair. There are about a dozen exhibits dedicated to various countries, Mexico, Norway, China, etc. Each of these has souvenir shops, restaurants, and a small museum-like display concerning that country. In addition, some of the countries have an attraction like a ride or a movie. There were lines, but the longest one lasted a half hour and some were less than 10 minutes. We spent most of our time here and found it quite pleasant. The food is Americanized and of course, overpriced.

By early evening we had seen all of the country exhibits and were about to leave. However, as we passed the golf ball building, the line was quite short and the sign said a 10 minute wait. So we went in. I expected to finally see the new technology part of the attraction but again was disappointed. Inside is a ride through some diaramas that represent how the ideas of people in the past have changed the world. The message is that our ideas too will change the world. However, at the end you just choose from a menu of other peoples' ideas. Then there were some computer games you could play. Of these there was one that used a 3-d display. It was a game to build a person up out of body parts. I suppose 3-d can still be considered cutting edge.

My impression: It is a pleasant way to spend a day, but it is way overhyped and way overpriced. The technology angle is scanty and geared for children.

 

[ZapperZ]

December was a cold month in South Jersey, so we saddled up and headed south. The plan was to keep going until it got warm. However, by the time we got to Ft. Lauderdale it was still in the 50s and it was in the 50s all the way to Key West, so we gave up. We stayed in Miami and slowly moved north. On Dec 30, we went to Epcot in Orlando.

I had heard that it was built as a model city of the future and a showcase of trends in cutting edge technology. With the parking fee, the entrance fee, and taxes, it came close to $300 for three people.

Walt's original vision was exactly that. That vision was partly carried out with Futureworld, i.e. the front part of the theme park. However, at that time, no one was willing to support the entire vision, and Walt did not leave the detailed plan of his vision. Since there was a separate plan of another theme park that resembles a World's Fair, the company decided to marry the two concepts together, and that resulted in the present-day Epcot.

The first attraction we saw was the iconic golf ball building. The line to get in was long and the sign said there was a 45 minute waiting time. I thought that if we waited 45 minutes for every attraction we wouldn't see much.

In my own version of WDW travel guide, I strongly tell people to avoid most of the attraction that is you see first when you walk in. This includes Spaceship Earth. There is always a line there in the morning because most people see this as the first attraction. Don't do it. Wait till mid/late afternoon. The lines will be significantly shorter.

We by-passed that and went to an attraction called Innovention. There was practally no line there at all so I felt better about that. The most innovative thing I saw there was Velcro, not exactly a cutting edge technology any more. There was a cute game show based on Velcro. Also there was a game you could play that teaches you something about saving for the future. It was geared for children and didn't teach me anything I didn't already know and didn't exhibit any cutting edge technology. There was a computer survey you could fill out to indicated what problems face mankind, what causes the problems and how they should be solved. However it was multiple choice and my ideas were never any of the choices.

There are two Innoventions - Innoventions East, and Innoventions West. I strongly recommend visiting Innoventions East and do "Sum of all Thrills". You design your own ride and use physics principles of mechanics/energy conservation.

By this time I was sure that I had just lit a match to $300. However things got better. Most of Epcot is a kind of World's Fair. There are about a dozen exhibits dedicated to various countries, Mexico, Norway, China, etc. Each of these has souvenir shops, restaurants, and a small museum-like display concerning that country. In addition, some of the countries have an attraction like a ride or a movie. There were lines, but the longest one lasted a half hour and some were less than 10 minutes. We spent most of our time here and found it quite pleasant. The food is Americanized and of course, overpriced.

This is generally true. However, there are a few exceptions. One of them is the sit-down restaurant at Morocco called Marakesh. It's an amazing restaurant. Also, if you go to the bakery at Norway, there are several authentic (based on reviews given my a Norwegian friend) items there.

By early evening we had seen all of the country exhibits and were about to leave. However, as we passed the golf ball building, the line was quite short and the sign said a 10 minute wait. So we went in. I expected to finally see the new technology part of the attraction but again was disappointed. Inside is a ride through some diaramas that represent how the ideas of people in the past have changed the world. The message is that our ideas too will change the world. However, at the end you just choose from a menu of other peoples' ideas. Then there were some computer games you could play. Of these there was one that used a 3-d display. It was a game to build a person up out of body parts. I suppose 3-d can still be considered cutting edge.

My guess is that you missed the BEST part of the evening show at Epcot, which is Illuminations. That's too bad.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6710208895411670287&hl=en#

Zz.

 

[Jimmy Snyder]

My guess is that you missed the BEST part of the evening show at Epcot, which is Illuminations. That's too bad.

We left at about 6:30. Having arrived at 10:30 in the morning, we were pretty well jaded by that time. We discussed staying for the Illuminations, but decided against it. I'm usually asleep by 9:00 and the show doesn't start till 9:30.