Disney World PF Gathering and Tips for Disney Mania!

[ZapperZ]

LOVE IT!

Uhm, Zz, you got me and Moonbear dated hats too, right. :shy:

What's the March of the Penguins?!?

No, sorry. This time, every disney freak for him or herself.

March of the Penguins is a movie documentary. It's a gorgeous film. If the city you live in has an art film movie theater, they're probabily showing this right now.

Zz.

 

[Evo]

No, sorry. This time, every disney freak for him or herself.

March of the Penguins is a movie documentary. It's a gorgeous film. If the city you live in has an art film movie theater, they're probabily showing this right now.

Zz.

I live in Kansas. We have a large papier mache cow on top of a tower and it glows green at night. That's about as close to art as I get here.

 

[ZapperZ]

I live in Kansas. We have a large papier mache cow on top of a tower and it glows green at night. That's about as close to art as I get here.

Then you just have to fly into Chicago and we can go see it. I'll pay money to go see it again.

And oh, next week, they'll be showing, on the big screen, a Looney Tunes Film Festival!

http://www.musicboxtheatre.com/

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

More reports on today's festivities...

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/07/17/disneyland.50th.ap/index.html

Zz.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

Really and truly, Walt Disney is one of my greatest heros. He has left a wonderful legacy to the children of world; be they grown up or not.

 

[ZapperZ]

Really and truly, Walt Disney is one of my greatest heros. He has left a wonderful legacy to the children of world; be they grown up or not.

Hey, I resemble that description! :)

I love going to Disney World. I can act silly and childish, be irrational into buying the "pixie dust and magical" stuff, wear silly hats and clothings, and run around being happy with other happy people. I love simply offering to take people's pictures for them - it's amazing how such simple acts are appreciated. Or what about just talking to other strangers while you're in line, sharing what attractions were the best, what attractions should not be missed, etc.. I think if one looks very carefully (beyond the screaming, crying kids), one can sense the joy and happiness at this place where people simply let go. This is what I miss when I go back into the "real" world.

I'm glad Evo let me have some refuge to indulge in my passion for this - not to mention, revealing my "disease" for the whole world to see. It's a very small piece of PF where I can act silly and childish, be irrational, and yes, sometime I do wear that silly Mickey Ears hat while posting something in this thread. Unfortunately, it just makes my longing to go back to Disney World even stronger... (47 days and counting...)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

OK, now this is one of the few jumbo pins that is really gorgeous...

This is a "super" jumbo pin, measuring 5.5" by 4.75" (really large when compared to ordinary pins, so you don't wear this at all). It will be released on at Disneyland on July 26th, in limited edition of 1000. And get this, it will be sold for $70. Yikes!

... and I want one!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

A wrap-up of a very magical Disneyland 50th Birthday celebration yesterday. It contains pictures, and videos of the rededication.

http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-98.asp

A follow-up on the dated golden Mickey Ears hat. It seems that those were handed out to the attendees as souvenirs, so you can't buy those. I was told that while the lines to get on the various attractions were long, the lines to get those dated merchandizes were even longer! I can't wait to get mine.

Wish I could have been there...

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

OK, is there such a thing as "Parents Day"?

It appears that this "holiday" is being celebrated on July 24 this year. In any case, a pin is being released today to celebrate Parents Day (I'm not making this up!).

This confirms Moonbie's earlier assertion that this pin thing can get out of hand.

Zz.

ºoº + ºoº + ºoº + ºoº + ºoº + ºoº + ºoº + ºoº

 

[Moonbear]

I think they're just making up holidays now! That castle pin is really pretty.

 

[ZapperZ]

I think they're just making up holidays now!

They are probably learning this from Hallmark! :)

That castle pin is really pretty.

Isn't it? I definitely would love to have one, but at $70 a piece? I'm guessing that there might still be a few around by the time I get to Disney World this Sept. Would you like me to get you one, Moonbie? You can send me the money now. :)

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

They are probably learning this from Hallmark! :)

It's a vast Hallmark/Disney conspiracy!

Isn't it? I definitely would love to have one, but at $70 a piece? I'm guessing that there might still be a few around by the time I get to Disney World this Sept. Would you like me to get you one, Moonbie? You can send me the money now. :)

Zz.

Sorry, but I don't care how pretty it is, I'm not spending $70 on a pin! I might spend $5 on a pin, maybe even $10 if it was really pretty and I was only buying one, but definitely not $70 unless it has some sort of jewels or precious metals in it! They all look like they are just painted plastic to me.

 

[JamesU]

It's a vast Hallmark/Disney conspiracy!

you and your conspiracy theories :rolleyes

Sorry, but I don't care how pretty it is, I'm not spending $70 on a pin! I might spend $5 on a pin, maybe even $10 if it was really pretty and I was only buying one, but definitely not $70 unless it has some sort of jewels or precious metals in it! They all look like they are just painted plastic to me.

yeah, a little too much.

 

[ZapperZ]

After all the frustration of watching all those "Disneyland-only" merchandize beyond my reach during their 50th Anniversary celebration, I manage to finally get something I was looking for the past 2 weeks or so. Recall from last time:

So, went to the Post Office during lunch time today. Walked up to the counter and asked "Do you have the Richard Feynman stamps?"

Person across the counter made me repeat the name a few times. She then went to the back to check the list of stamps they have. She came back and asked "Do you know who he is or what he did?" I replied "He's a physicist - or at least, he was".

She then said "Oh, we don't keep science stamps very long. Argonne buys all of them!" Drat! So my employer buys all of the science stamps from this post office.

Never mind, I then asked "Well, what about the Disney stamps? Argonne can't be buying all of those too!"

She replied "Oh, we ran out of those within a couple of days!"

.
.
.
.
.
.

I'm depressed...

Zz.

Success at last! Got the Disney stamps (3 sheets) and the LAST sheet they had of the "American Scientists" stamps that contain the Feynman stamps. This collection also contains the Barbara McClintock stamps, the Josiah Willard Gibbs stamps, and the John von Neumann stamps.

.. and now I go hunting for the Disney First Day covers...

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Whoa! Make sure you bring a bug spray if you intend to stay at one of Hong Kong's Disneyland hotel, which isn't even open yet!

http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/story.asp?j=149443962&p=y49444668

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Whoa! Make sure you bring a bug spray if you intend to stay at one of Hong Kong's Disneyland hotel, which isn't even open yet!

http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/story.asp?j=149443962&p=y49444668

Zz.

I think you should wait to visit that park until they've worked out some of the bugs.

They must have bought mattresses that came without the "Don't remove on penalty of death" tags.

 

[ZapperZ]

And even more news about the Hong Kong Disneyland. It appears that Lucky, the animatronic dinasaur that has been roaming Dinoland USA at the Animal Kingdom, will be going to Hong King Disneyland. Not sure if this is permanent or temporary.

Maybe they can have Lucky scare away the bugs in the hotel...

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Wow!

Check out these Happiest Faces Mosaic!

http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-99.asp

I received the news about submitting a picture to them last year for this project, but unfortunately, I don't have any picture from Disneyland. Considering that these mosaic were made up of submitted pictures, they are VERY impressive! These must have taken a lot of time to complete.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Remember this pin that I pointed out a while back?

I wonder if I can talk Integral into going back to Disneyland this month? :)

The official 50th Anniversary celebration of Disneyland is this July 17th. As expected, I don't think any SANE person would want to go there on that day, or that week for that matter. I expect the place to be packed like sardines.

As anyone can guess, there will be several special pins to be released that day at the Disneyland Resort only. This is the BEST of the whole lot and would probably will go up in price and demand as time goes by. So if you happen to be lucky enough to be in Aneheim, I'd suggest you invest in this pin.

Zz.

Today, the bidding on ebay for this pin is at $214!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

At the risk of making me look even more foolish, here's a continuation of my "disease". [Hey, I need to make sure Gokul gets enough neck muscle exercises]

Of course I collect other Disney memorabilia other than just pins. So this is just a smal example of what I have on display in the entrance hallway. Notice that on the right-hand side, a Donald Duck figurine of him in the middle of a bad temper is identical to the one pictured in the frame right next to it. :)

Zz.

P.S. As you might have already guessed, I very, very, very seldom have guests with very small kids over. :)

 

[ZapperZ]

This is a Disney experience that not many people know exist.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-sptoutdoors21072105jul21,0,2368572.story

Take note of the fact that the Living Seas acquarium is so large, the Epcot "golf ball" (Spaceship Earth) can fit in it with room to spare.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Golden Rides vehicles at Disneyland

More on the Disneyland Golden celebrations (after all, it will go on for 18 months!)

We've seen the gilded castles, covered with golden facade for this celebration. We have been seen the golden dumbo rides at Disneyland. It appears that many of their rides have been decorated this way. Just take a look!

http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-100.asp

If I didn't know any better, I'd say Mr. Goldfinger has been busy. I must say the golden carousel horse, the golden teacup, and of course the golden dumbo look VERY good.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

This is a lovely and elaborate jumbo pin in the form of a "shield". It opens up to reveal Sleeping Beauty Castle. Of course, this is to commemorate Disneyland's Golden anniversary.

It will be released on July 24th, and only at Disneyland (of course).

Are we sure no one here is going to Disneyland anytime soon?

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

More on the Disneyland Golden celebrations (after all, it will go on for 18 months!)

Does that mean this pin insanity is going to go on for another 18 months?

 

[ZapperZ]

Does that mean this pin insanity is going to go on for another 18 months?

But moonbie dear, it will go on FOREVER!

After this insanity is over, there will be other insanity... Resistance is Futile!

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

But moonbie dear, it will go on FOREVER!

After this insanity is over, there will be other insanity... Resistance is Futile!

Zz.

Resistance is made easier by being a cheapskate!

 

[ZapperZ]

Resistance is made easier by being a cheapskate!

So you'll start with those $6.50 pins! :)

Remember, you already have one Passholder pin in your collection... you just don't have it in your possession yet till we all go to Disney World. That's all you need to get started... It is all down a very slippery slope from there.

Damn, I love my addictions!

:)

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

So you'll start with those $6.50 pins! :)

Remember, you already have one Passholder pin in your collection... you just don't have it in your possession yet till we all go to Disney World. That's all you need to get started... It is all down a very slippery slope from there.

Damn, I love my addictions!

:)

Zz.

I guess it's better than drugs or alcohol. Not sure if it's any improvement over a gambling addiction, though it seems the pins won't cost you your house, just a compact car.

 

[ZapperZ]

I guess it's better than drugs or alcohol. Not sure if it's any improvement over a gambling addiction, though it seems the pins won't cost you your house, just a compact car.

Or, it could allow you to buy a compact car. Remember that $10 "I was there" pin is now going around $200 on ebay.

Some of the earlier Disney pins introduced in 1999 and thereafter (before it became this popular) are going for obscene amount of money... IF they are ever put on sale. So if you do this right, it could be a very handsome investment.

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Or, it could allow you to buy a compact car. Remember that $10 "I was there" pin is now going around $200 on ebay.

Some of the earlier Disney pins introduced in 1999 and thereafter (before it became this popular) are going for obscene amount of money... IF they are ever put on sale. So if you do this right, it could be a very handsome investment.

Zz.

So, how do you do that? Do you buy two of every pin you like, one to keep and one for trading/selling? Or do you try to buy a collection and then when you can't complete it, sell off the odd ones to someone who is willing to pay to complete their incomplete collection? Or do you just hope for people like me to come along who buy a few here and there because I happen to be at Disney that day and then put them up on eBay because I see I can make a lot of money on something I don't care as much about as those willing to pay small fortunes?

 

[ZapperZ]

So, how do you do that? Do you buy two of every pin you like, one to keep and one for trading/selling? Or do you try to buy a collection and then when you can't complete it, sell off the odd ones to someone who is willing to pay to complete their incomplete collection? Or do you just hope for people like me to come along who buy a few here and there because I happen to be at Disney that day and then put them up on eBay because I see I can make a lot of money on something I don't care as much about as those willing to pay small fortunes?

All of the above!

:)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Surprise Pins

One of the "annoying" things Disney does to torture us pins collectors is to released pins that are known as "suprise pins". They torture us because

(i) there are no prior warnings, or announcement of any kind regarding the pins until they are released

(ii) they are usually available not only at one Disney theme park, but only at ONE location within that Disney theme park. This location can be the main pin store in that park, or just a small push cart somewhere within the park.

A number of these pins can be released at any time of the year for no reason. Yesterday, on July 22, a total of 5 different pins that look like they belong in a set, were released at 5 different locations throughout Disney World. This is one of Disney's sneaky way to force pin collectors to actually visit sometime obscure part of the Disney World huge complex, ranging from the pin store at the Contemporary Resort to the store at the Boardwark Resort.

The pins shown here are just 3 out of the 5. The first one, Mickey CEO, was released at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort - M. Mouse Mercantile. The second one, Minnie VIP, was released at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and Convention Center - Panchito's. The last one, Donald WWW, was released at Disney's Beach Club Resort - Beach Club Marketplace. Only 1000 of each were released.

These surprise pins, especially if they belong in a set, are usually the ones consistently fetching very high prices on ebay. Most pin collectors don't live in Orlando and cannot get to these various places at the drop of a hat. So instead, they tend to have to pay someone else if they want to get them. So pay attention, Moonbie! :)

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Okay, I'm paying attention...don't collect pins, just buy them and take the folks who do collect them to the cleaners for them.

 

[ZapperZ]

Okay, I'm paying attention...don't collect pins, just buy them and take the folks who do collect them to the cleaners for them.

See, NOW you're getting into the spirit of things!

Remember, MGM stands for Money Grabbing Mouse.

:)

Zz.

 

[lwymarie]

Hey do you guys know that a new Disneyland will be opened in Sept?

 

[ZapperZ]

Hey do you guys know that a new Disneyland will be opened in Sept?

You obviously haven't been following this thread. The Hong Kong Disneyland has been mentioned more than just a few times already.

The exact opening date is Sept. 12, one day after I get back from my next Disney World vacation.

:)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Unless people think that all Disney World hotels are expensive and beyond their reach, Disney has several what they called "Value" resorts to compete with the budget hotels. Try accomodations as low as $59/night during their low seasons!

One of the newest value hotel complex is the Disney Pop Century. Now, sure it's cheap, sure it is affordable, but what I want to point out is that this is really a fun, fun hotel! It has a very unique architecture and design that has elements of 70's, 80's, and 90's "artifacts". I know kids go wild here with all the really eye-popping colors (may drive adults that require serenity nuts). I think the Disney folks put in a lot of effort and imagination even into their value resorts.

Check out the wild colors at

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/resorts/resortLanding?id=PopCenturyResortLandingPage&count=1

I haven't stayed at Pop Century, but I've been there a couple of times on one of those pin pursuit events. And of course, they will put you on one of those wild goose chase all over the complex just to get that one pin.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Postal Art

OK, so remember that runaround I did in trying to get those Disney stamps? It turns out that replicas of the various Disney stamps that the US Post Office have ever produced can sometime be obtain in very classy artwork prints. While the current batch of Disney stamps are still not yet available, the previous ones can be purchased framed and matted.

http://www.postalartgallery.com/perl/frSearch?titleOrKeywordsOrArtist=disney&sortType=MostRelevant&t=sdisney&page=1

I'm not going to say how many I have bought, because I'm afraid Gokul might get serious whiplash from shaking his head too vigorously when he hears this one. But thnk about it. How could one say "no" to something like in this picture? You need to have your head examined if you don't think this is just plain adorable!

:)

Zz. [I am so weak!]

 

[ZapperZ]

Passholder pins

I've mentioned passholder pins a few times. So this is my collection of passholder pins so far. I've only been a passholder for the last 2 years, so my collection is rather small relative to the ones I've seen by the hardcore pin traders. I bought all of what you see here, so none of them were obtained via trading. I actually didn't buy 3 passholder pins last June to celebrate this year's Epcot Flower and Garden event. I just didn't want to collect those, even though I did buy the ones last year (i'm going to trade those off when I go to Disney World this coming Sept).

My most favorite passholder pin is the top row, second from the right. The key that Mickey is holding is rotatable. The one with the olympic rings was the passholder pin last year to commemorate the Athens olympics. The Lion King pin was the passholder pin that you get if you prebook the DVD copy of The Lion King [Money Grabbing Mouse - remember that].

There are no more new passholder pins scheduled to be released this year... at least, not from the advanced notice that I have been seeing.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney won the rights to Mel Gibson next movie...

When I read that, I went "Oh no! We're going to get The Passion of Mickey"! I just can't see Mickey being tortured and beaten and...

Oh, luckily, it isn't going to be that. :)

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,1-1707925,00.html

Zz.

 

[Evo]

Disney won the rights to Mel Gibson next movie...

When I read that, I went "Oh no! We're going to get The Passion of Mickey"! I just can't see Mickey being tortured and beaten and...

Oh, luckily, it isn't going to be that. :)

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,1-1707925,00.html

Zz.

Passion of Mickey.

So this is going to be cartoon or real life?

 

[Evo]

I love to collect Christmas items, most of my collection was destroyed a few years ago and I must start over.

Maybe Disneyworld at Christmas is a possibility?

 

[ZapperZ]

I love to collect Christmas items, most of my collection was destroyed a few years ago and I must start over.

Maybe Disneyworld at Christmas is a possibility?

Well now, Evo dear, you do know that there is at least one store in Disney World that sells Christmas stuff all year long! :) This store is in Downtown Disney and you could walk in in the middle of a blistering summer and suddenly feel as if it's December.

Disney World at the end of the year is certainly a possibility, but maybe more like the very beginning of the year. The period between Dec. 20 to Jan 1st is just a zoo there (their busiest time of the year). So I suggest that maybe the week from Jan 1st till Jan 7 or 8 might be better. This way, we will avoid most of the crowd, there might still be a few holiday decorations, and we can also celebrate my birthday there! :)

Let's see if Moonbie can make it during that time...

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

A few most recent pictures around Walt Disney World Resort, including a few pictorals of the new Virtual Magic Kingdom.

http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-102.asp

The Virtual Magic Kingdom (VMK) appears to be a new interactive, online game that Disney is actively promoting. You could actually win stuff when you play it on location at Disneyland and The Magic Kingdom.

http://vmk.disney.go.com/vmk/en_US/index?name=VMKHomePage

I haven't tried it yet (that's all I need, another "addiction"). However, if it doesn't suck too much of my time, and I can win stuff, maybe I'll try it and see what happens, especially since I will be at the Magic Kingdom in just 39 more days! :)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

OK, another Disney "trivia" or knowledge test.

Look at this picture of Spaceship Earth at Epcot. Can you figure out what is "wrong" or "missing" in this picture?

Zz.

 

[Evo]

Well now, Evo dear, you do know that there is at least one store in Disney World that sells Christmas stuff all year long! :) This store is in Downtown Disney and you could walk in in the middle of a blistering summer and suddenly feel as if it's December.

Disney World at the end of the year is certainly a possibility, but maybe more like the very beginning of the year. The period between Dec. 20 to Jan 1st is just a zoo there (their busiest time of the year). So I suggest that maybe the week from Jan 1st till Jan 7 or 8 might be better. This way, we will avoid most of the crowd, there might still be a few holiday decorations, and we can also celebrate my birthday there! :)

Let's see if Moonbie can make it during that time...

Zz.

Ooooh, January might work! That would be a good time to get out of Kansas, the ice storms stink. Zz's birthday at Disney World! That would be very special!

 

[ZapperZ]

Ooooh, January might work! That would be a good time to get out of Kansas, the ice storms stink. Zz's birthday at Disney World! That would be very special!

Having you, Moonbie, and other PF'ers who might want to come, would be one of the best presents I could ever want for my birthday. We will all do breakfast at Chef Mickey, and maybe dinner at the Crystal Palace.

.. and you'll get to see me wear a very silly Disney Birthday Cake HAT all day long. What could be better than that? :)

Zz.

 

[motai]

OK, another Disney "trivia" or knowledge test.

Look at this picture of Spaceship Earth at Epcot. Can you figure out what is "wrong" or "missing" in this picture?

Zz.

The last time I was at Epcot I remember a big mickey mouse hand holding the "Epcot" sign on one side of the ball. Unless they took it down recently...

 

[ZapperZ]

The last time I was at Epcot I remember a big mickey mouse hand holding the "Epcot" sign on one side of the ball. Unless they took it down recently...

motai wins ... er... wait... I didn't promise any prize!

That's right! Since the year 2000 celebration, there's a big mickey hand attached to Spaceship Earth. So this is an old picture.

Zz.

 

[motai]

motai wins ... er... wait... I didn't promise any prize!

That's right! Since the year 2000 celebration, there's a big mickey hand attached to Spaceship Earth. So this is an old picture.

Zz.

It is impossible to live in Florida and not notice the huge, metallic ball that sits in the middle of the state . Then again, I've been to all the Disney parks several times in my years here, discounts for residents and so forth.

The best part, IMO, is the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom every night. It surpasses most New Years celebrations.