Disney World PF Gathering and Tips for Disney Mania!

[ZapperZ]

Hooray!

Tigger won't face any assault charges from that stupid incident!

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/orl-bk-tigger021507,0,4679653.story?coll=orl-home-headlines

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Even in Disney, we are not immune to crackpottery.

The Disney Blog highlighted some http://www.thedisneyblog.com/tdb/2007/02/proof_that_mick.html" claiming that Walt Disney was channeling "alien signals" when he created Mickey Mouse. They even pointed that some of the crop circles had a Mickey Ears shape!

All of these of course are easily debunked if one simply pay attention to the evolution of the shape of Mickey Mouse itself, and when exactly did the current form appears. John Frost, the owner of The Disney Blog, has a very good rebuttal against this nonsense. But as with physics crackpots, it is futile to try and have any rational discussion with these people.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney Rides Again!

With all the Disney theme park attractions being turned into movies, IGN had some fun by suggesting http://movies.ign.com/articles/764/764776p1.html" that could be turned into movies. They do sound reasonable, except for the It's A Small World suggestion.

I'd like to see them turn "Living With The Land" attraction turned into an exciting movie. Now THAT would be a serious challenge!



Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Umm, just out of curiosity is there ANY reasonable way to get CHEAP or even free passes to Disneyland and hotel stay? Like a "charity-case week?" Because 100% of the things that are being brought up here are not things I can honestly hope to experience, as fun as they sound.

You can probably find very inexpensive hotels if you look outside of Disney properties, or visit during the off-season. When I was a kid, we went camping at a campground in Kissimee, which is still very close to Disney, but a bit cheaper (the sort of place that has a Waffle House across the street, which I thought was great when I was a kid ). As for the park, I don't know. Florida residents can get discounted tickets, so if you know someone who lives down there, they might be able to get something cheaper than if you buy it yourself, and of course if you know someone living there, they might let you stay with them free too.

 

[ZapperZ]

You can probably find very inexpensive hotels if you look outside of Disney properties, or visit during the off-season. When I was a kid, we went camping at a campground in Kissimee, which is still very close to Disney, but a bit cheaper (the sort of place that has a Waffle House across the street, which I thought was great when I was a kid ). As for the park, I don't know. Florida residents can get discounted tickets, so if you know someone who lives down there, they might be able to get something cheaper than if you buy it yourself, and of course if you know someone living there, they might let you stay with them free too.

Here are a few suggestions on http://www.latimes.com/business/la-tr-budget18feb18,1,2020086.column?coll=la-mininav-business" . Many offer free shuttle to the Disney theme parks, but I would first check how often they offer the service (some have been known to make only one trip in the morning and one trip in the evening).

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Very often I like to read about how other Disney fanatics live, like http://www.thestar.com/artsentertainment/article/182959" for example. This is because compare to them, I look downright "normal" (if that is ever possible).

Of course, I am not that far behind. After all, I've already exhibited several of the symptoms, such as having a Disney Christmas tree, and going to WDW at least twice a year.

Humm... what is the number to that clinic again?



Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Student Information Booklet for Monorail Design

Hey, now you can design your own monorail just like the one at Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort!

I don't quite know to whom this was produced, but this shttp://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/downl...norailDesign.pdf&filename=MonorailDesign.pdf" has a few fun facts about monorail design. It also has a few fun facts about the WDW Monorail:

Surprisingly, Walt Disney World's monorail system near Orlando, Florida, has one of the highest ridership of all monorails. At least 100,000 passenger trips are recorded each day on the 14 miles of guideways. The system is there to move people between six stations. The resort whould be a transit nightmare without the monoral.

As someone who has tried to leave the Magic Kingdom at closing time, and had the monorail being down due to a technical glitch, I can personally testify to that last part! Still, I love the monorail ride, as you can tell from my http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5008148320876934763&hl=en" .



Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney To Offer Bridal Gown Line

Hey Moonbie! You now have a place to buy your bridal gown! Disney has contracted a http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070222/LOCAL/70222017" to offer their own bridal gowns line!

Solutions Bridal Designer House in Winter Park will be the first store to carry 35 gown designs based on characters like Cinderella and Snow White as Disney enters the bridal market.

I wonder if they'll have something based on Chip 'N Dale? A chipmunk gown perhaps?

I tell ya, this Disney wedding is going to be FABULOUS!



Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

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

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

 

[GeorginaS]

I find that astoundingly annoying when, in a visual medium, and they're talking about something you look at, (as opposed to talking about an idea or a concept) they don't show pictures of it! Why not? I only clicked on the link so I could see.

Sheesh.

 

[ZapperZ]

This is because Disney had only made a selection of the 'vendor' to provide the dresses. I don't think any design of the wedding dresses have been done or finalized. I'm sure we'll get to see then once these things are out.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Here is some http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/sfl-223disneybrides,0,5415770.story?track=rss" on the Disney bridal gown line. Still no pictures though, but at least we're told a bit more about the inspiration for the them, and how much they would cost. It will eventually expand to include bridesmaid and flower girl dresses.

The good news is that it will eventually be available throughout the US and even in Japan. The bad news is that they're neglecting the groom! How about a Prince Charming outfit for the groom, with tights and all?



Zz.

 

[Evo]

The good news is that it will eventually be available throughout the US and even in Japan. The bad news is that they're neglecting the groom! How about a Prince Charming outfit for the groom, with tights and all?



Zz.

Oooooh, men in tights. :!)

 

[Newbie says Hi]

The good news is that it will eventually be available throughout the US and even in Japan. The bad news is that they're neglecting the groom! How about a Prince Charming outfit for the groom, with tights and all?

Yeah, because I'm sure every guy is just dreaming of wearing that outfit! :)

 

[ZapperZ]

So I have a friend who owns a video store. When I walked into the store last week (haven't seen him since Thanksgiving), I saw these poster for Pirates of Caribbean 2 - Dead Man's Chest. Immediately, I gushed all over them. I think I may have gushed and groveled enough that he immediately gave them to me!

We finally picked them up yesterday, and now they are proudly displayed at my place. I think I may bring one of them to work tomorrow and have it displayed there.

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

That's funny. On another forum, we were just discussing pirate-themed weddings, and I was thinking that just might work with my Disney pool party wedding. They even suggested little treasure chest favors.

But, I thought you wanted to wear a Cinderella dress, not tights!

 

[ZapperZ]

But, I thought you wanted to wear a Cinderella dress, not tights!

I changed my mind. Those glass slippers are NOT the most comfortable thing to wear! However, I'm keeping the tiara!



Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

This is hysterically funny. It is http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/beastmom/archives/112051.asp" (by the wife of the family) of their ride on Space Mountain at Disneyland. It appeared that all 3 of the family members were scared stiff by the end of the ride. Only the husband had a whale of a time on it!

But the best part was when they saw the photo that was taken during the ride:

With Claire still sobbing hysterically, we walked past the exit area where they post digital photos of every rider. When my husband saw our family photo, he laughed and laughed. I swear I look like the horrific figure in the painting "The Scream". Claire is crying and can't see because her hair is flailing about her face. Bryant looks completely freaked. And my husband is smiling like he won the lottery. He wanted a copy of the photo, you know, to savor the special memory of his Family's Most Terrifying Moment. I said something which meant, "I'd rather eat maggoty rat innards than own a copy of that photo." This only made my husband snicker more.

I am so totally like the husband! I would have bought the ride photo if I had something like that! So if you are going to ride with me on Space Mountain, or Tower of Terror, or Rock 'N Rollercoaster, etc., be forewarned!



Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

What the heck is terrifying about Space Mountain? They better stay off Tower of Terror for certain...the whole family would end up dying...three of them from heart attacks, and the husband would laugh to death.

 

[ZapperZ]

What the heck is terrifying about Space Mountain? They better stay off Tower of Terror for certain...the whole family would end up dying...three of them from heart attacks, and the husband would laugh to death.

Oooh.. I would love to be in that same ride with them when this happens. Just think of the ride picture at the end!

BTW, if you recall, you were also laughing your head off non-stop on that ride!



Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

BTW, if you recall, you were also laughing your head off non-stop on that ride!

Yep, that's why I think the father is the only normal one in the bunch, to be grinning ear to ear rather than screaming and crying.

 

[ZapperZ]

It is undeniable that when Walt Disney chose Orlando to build the Walt Disney World, he changed a lot of things. However, the impact on such a decision is so extensive and goes beyond what many can even conceive.

National Geographic has http://www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0703/feature4/index.html" of how Walt Disney made a major impact to Central Florida and Orlando in particular. I'm sure that isn't a surprise, but one simply isn't aware of the extent of that impact. Let's just say that things will be significantly different it if it weren't for the Mouse.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

This is just something I cannot, and can never fathom.

During the Year of a Million Dreams, Disney is randomly selecting guests to win a number of things, ranging from pins, super Fast Passes, up to the ultimate prize, a night in Cinderella Castle Suite. Yet, there have been reports that there have been guests that have http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-disney2807feb28,0,5532547.story?track=rss" some of these prizes!

<ZapperZ sits down for a minute while he hyperventilates>

To these people, I only have one thing to say:

ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FREAKING MINDS?!



Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Well, I can understand if they are selected on their last day there. They just might not be able to stay an extra day if they have a plane to catch and a job to return to. I can also understand not wanting to move all your stuff to another room if it's only one night, and then you have to pack it all up again to move back to your regular room the next night, especially for a family with several children who all have a ton of stuff. Maybe if they did it that you won a stay in Cinderella's Castle for the remainder of your visit, it would be more appealing. I don't understand turning down the other freebies though. Why pass on a free popcorn or pins?

 

[ZapperZ]

Not me! I would have delayed my flight home, call in sick, and just take an extra day off!

...But then again, I'm not normal!

:)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

My most favorite place in the world is "http://sanantonio.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2007/02/26/daily30.html""!

Well, not expanding in physical size, but rather in the Guest area. Walt Disney World Resort has announced that the Four Seasons will be building an upscale resort on its properties, including letting the Four Seasons "annex" its land for time-share homes and a golf course.

In addition to that, the newly-opened Western Way entrance into Walt Disney World will have additional guest areas in the form of Value and Moderate resorts, and a guest shopping and entertainment area, probably similar, but not identical, to the Downtown Disney area.

Just how big is Walt Disney World resort? This http://www.sptimes.com/2007/03/02/Business/Disney_plans_luxury_g.shtml" has the staggering statistics.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

OK, this is way cool and could rival Crush at Turtle Talk.

Disney's Imagineers debut http://www.orlandosentinel.com/community/news/lakebuenavista/orl-disneyside0407mar04,0,6959850.story" in its Live Character Initiatives. This time, the animatronics characters interact LIVE with the guests. Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his nervous assistant Beaker, made their appearances at Disney's California Adventure to rave reviews.

You can see a video of their interactions http://www.thedisneyblog.com/tdb/2007/03/dr_bunsen_honey.html" , including a link to more pictures. This is terrific. It has the same "jaw-dropping" amusement as the first time I saw Crush in Turtle Talk.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Here are more http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-376.asp" of this Mobile Muppet Labs. It looks very cool, and reminds me of Lucky the Dinosaur that used to "roam" Dinoland at the Animal Kingdom. But this one is a lot more advanced and certainly interact live with the guests, very much like Crush in Turtle Talk.

I hope they bring this to WDW soon, preferably before June! :)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

I don't know about you, but this somehow doesn't quite have the same ring to it:

"Frank D. Atherton, you've been accused of sexually assaulting 3 children! What you are going to do now?"

"Why, I'm going to Disney World!"

Call me silly, but WHAT THE HEY??!

Actually, http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/288706,CST-NWS-disney08.article" is more convoluted than this! Without knowing the details, reading the news article just made my jaw dropped, because there were at least two different places where someone either dropped the ball, or just didn't get it.

The first one is this:

"We would have objected further had we known that was where he was going," Lombardo said. "Certainly, Disney World is a place known to be frequented by children."

Atherton is free because he paid 10 percent of his $100,000 in bail. One of the conditions of bail was that he not have contact with "any minor children," Lombardo said.

Hello? What did they think "Disney World" is? A place where only Superbowl winners go to? Or maybe the judge didn't think that standing in line while waiting to go on the Haunted Mansion ride isn't a close enough "contact" with children.

But here's the kicker!

Then Tuesday, when Atherton provided the court clerk with an itinerary, Associate Judge R. Craig Sahlstrom was called and authorized the 46-year-old felon's plans to spend three days of his trip at Walt Disney World.
.
.
Last year, Judge Sahlstrom disclosed he represented Atherton in a previous case, but prosecutors did not object, records show. Through an assistant, the judge said he could not comment on the pending case.

Did someone (the prosecutor perhaps?) raised concerned about this judge presiding over such a decision? What am I missing here?

Oy vey!

I'm not saying this guy is going to do something when he's there with his family. If there's a place where he does not want to try anything, it would be at a Disney theme park, because if there's anything Disney protect as ruthlessly as the image of Mickey Mouse, it would be the image of Disney as a family-safe location. But I am just puzzled at how such a thing can even get through this far? It sounds like there was just a series of oversight being done that led to this.

The story is getting a bit of publicity in the Chicago area. Who knows, maybe that would wake someone up and smack themselves on their heads.

And I haven't even whined about the fact that they got Disney World and Disneyland wrong!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

In the follow-up to this unbelievable story, the judge in question has had a http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/290066,CST-NWS-disney09.article" (an "clarification", he said) and told this person that he cannot go to Walt Disney World. Did the hounds of bad publicity had anything to do with this?

Unfortunately, the guy http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,258022,00.html" for his vacation!

Oy.

Zz.