Disney World PF Gathering and Tips for Disney Mania!

  • Thread starter Thread starter ZapperZ
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AI Thread Summary
A gathering for Disney enthusiasts is planned at Disney World during Memorial Day week (May 28 to June 5), inviting others to join for fun activities like measuring the drop rate at the Tower of Terror and pin trading. For those unable to attend, a return trip is already scheduled for Labor Day week (Sept. 3 to Sept. 11), with tips to find deals on the Disney website. The discussion includes a promise to share a shortlist of must-do attractions at Walt Disney World, encouraging contributions from others. Key tips for visiting include utilizing Disney's transportation, making reservations for dining, and understanding ticket expiration policies. The thread fosters community among Disney fans while providing practical advice for an enjoyable visit.
  • #201
By the way i care to ask when you ppls are going to meet in real...Zz seems quite enthusiastic
i will surely wish to meet Moonbear one Day...the Gr8 gal of forum
 
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  • #202
ZapperZ said:
Nah, you don't want me to do that. I snore like a PIG in heat.

:)

Zz.
You snore, I snort, poor Moonbear won't want to be near either of us! :-p
 
  • #203
The storm is still lingering around the central Florida area, but it wasn't as bad as it was yesterday. So we got to Epcot before it opens, and made a stampede to Soarin' (picture 1). It was well worth it. I haven't seen the one in California Adventure, but have heard rave reviews about it. It lived up to every bit of my expectations. We saw it twice, the first one right in Row 1, and right smack in the middle. It was SPECTACULAR!

The 2nd ride was in Row 2, and it was just as good if you don't mind seeing people's feet hanging at the top. But certainly, Row 1 is the best seat in the house. One should ask for it if they let you.

We then did something else we've never done before. We took the "backstage" tour of The Land pavilion and did the "Behind the Seed" tour (picture 2 and 3). A horticulturist (?) took us on a guided tour of the big green house they have there, including their fish farm and their hydroponics facilities. Picture 2 is actually a tomato plant (i.e. just ONE, single, plant). It grew from a seed and were planted only last November, 2004. They're trying to get it into the Guiness book of world records. Picture 3 is their "flying" squash. Let's just say that these things are HUGE.

The tour was great. Having gone through the regular "water ride" of The Land, it was nice to see the behind the scene going-ons of the facility.

Tomorrow, we have another behind-the-scene tour. This time, it's the "Keys to the Magic Kingdom" tour, a 4 hour tour of the Magic Kingdom that visitors do not get to see. We will go behind the facade and get to see what the castmembers see. Unfortunately, there will be no pictures from this one. We were told that we can't bring our bags and our cameras during the tour. I can't wait, especially to see the "lower level" of Magic Kingdom.

Tomorrow night, dinner at Downtown Disney and then La Nouba. Afterwards, if I have the energy, partying all night long at Pleasure Island.

Zz.
 
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  • #204
ZapperZ said:
We then did something else we've never done before. We took the "backstage" tour of The Land pavilion and did the "Behind the Seed" tour (picture 2 and 3). A horticulturist (?) took us on a guided tour of the big green house they have there, including their fish farm and their hydroponics facilities. Picture 2 is actually a tomato plant (i.e. just ONE, single, plant). It grew from a seed and were planted only last November, 2004. They're trying to get it into the Guiness book of world records. Picture 3 is their "flying" squash. Let's just say that these things are HUGE.
Ok, NOW I'm excited. I'm a plant freak. :blushing:
 
  • #205
Evo said:
You snore, I snort, poor Moonbear won't want to be near either of us! :-p
LOL! :rolleyes: Yeah, I think I'll just sleep in my own room, thanks.
 
  • #206
Moonbear said:
LOL! :rolleyes: Yeah, I think I'll just sleep in my own room, thanks.

Not to mention, I look like Cruella De Ville on prozaic in the morning. Not a sight you want to see first thing in the day. I definitely recommend separate rooms! :)

Zz.
 
  • #207
ZapperZ said:
Not to mention, I look like Cruella De Ville on prozaic in the morning. Not a sight you want to see first thing in the day. I definitely recommend separate rooms! :)

Zz.
LOL! She might not be half bad if she was on Prozac. :smile: Though, does anyone look good first thing in the morning? Really? I'm a real grouch until I get my first cup or two of coffee, so I really wouldn't want to subject all of you to that either.
 
  • #208
Moonbear said:
LOL! She might not be half bad if she was on Prozac. :smile: Though, does anyone look good first thing in the morning? Really? I'm a real grouch until I get my first cup or two of coffee, so I really wouldn't want to subject all of you to that either.
It's why I am alone...not willing to subject anyone to me and not willing to be subjected to anyone. :-p
 
  • #209
Evo said:
It's why I am alone...not willing to subject anyone to me and not willing to be subjected to anyone. :-p
My grandparents have always had separate bedrooms as long as I can remember. My other grandparents slept in the same room (how scandalous!) but did always have separate beds. Maybe there's something to the idea of not sleeping together except when being naughty. :rolleyes:
 
  • #210
Moonbear said:
LOL! She might not be half bad if she was on Prozac. :smile: Though, does anyone look good first thing in the morning? Really? I'm a real grouch until I get my first cup or two of coffee, so I really wouldn't want to subject all of you to that either.

I have a T-shirt with a picture of a really grumpy-looking cat. It says:

"Before my morning coffee, I might as well be a dog."

And I wore this 2 days ago here. :)

Zz.
 
  • #211
Today was truly a magical day.

We started off with the Keys to the Magic Kingdom tour. This is the behind the scene tour of the Magic Kingdom where we get to see the "backstage" area reserved only to castmembers, learn a bunch of Disney Trivia, and get to know a lot more of the Disney culture and mission. Even for "jaded" Disney visitors like me, it was truly a special event. We even get a nice pin in the shape of key to signify that we took the tour.

This is certainly something long-time visitors to the park may want to take. However, new visitor should not. One should experience the "magic" and illusion of what they offer first. Seeing what's backstage may ruin such illusion.

Tonight, we went to see La Nouba again. There are some minor changes to the show since the last time we saw it last year. But it is still as terrific as ever (standing ovation at the end). I strongly recommend this. Picture 1 is the view outside of the La Nouba theater facing the House of Blues.

We stayed very late last night at the Magic Kingdom. As Disney resort guest members, we were given 2 extra hours of fun at the Magic Kingdom last night after it closes. So we stayed until 1:00 am! Got on the Teacups (Picture 2). Before that, we watched the SpectroMagic Parade TWICE (Picture 3), and saw Wishes right by the cinderella's castle. It was a very satisfying day.

Tomorrow we will go back to the Animal Kingdom, and later in the afternoon, jump back to Epcot to meet up even more friends who have just flew in for the weekend.

Zz.
 
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  • #212
ZapperZ said:
Got on the Teacups (Picture 2).
Those things move around, right? So what's holding them up? I can't see anything attached to them, or any slots in the floor for guide rails or anything.

It bothers me that I can't figure out the workings of something made by a mouse.
 
  • #213
Danger said:
Those things move around, right? So what's holding them up? I can't see anything attached to them, or any slots in the floor for guide rails or anything.

It bothers me that I can't figure out the workings of something made by a mouse.
The "floor" that they are on is a platform that rotates. So the whole tea set rotates, like on a lazy susan. Then, each individual teacup can also rotate...the people in the teacup control that spinning with a wheel in the center. It's a wondefully dizzying experience! Teacups is a wild ride! :biggrin:
 
  • #214
Moonbear said:
The "floor" that they are on is a platform that rotates.
Thanks. I thought that the floor was stationary. :redface:
 
  • #215
OK, just a couple more pictures before we go off to Animal Kingdom.

I hate to admit it (giggle), but I do love the Country Bears Jamboree at the Magic Kingdom. So here's a picture of the finale (Picture 1).

Picture 2 is the start of Wishes. It is the 2nd most spectacular night time show you must see (after Illuminations). The music just can't compete with the gorgeous music that accompanies Illuminations, but the fireworks certainly out of this world.

Zz.
 
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  • #216
Moonbear said:
The "floor" that they are on is a platform that rotates. So the whole tea set rotates, like on a lazy susan. Then, each individual teacup can also rotate...the people in the teacup control that spinning with a wheel in the center. It's a wondefully dizzying experience! Teacups is a wild ride! :biggrin:
The only time I like that ride is when someone strong is spinning it incredibly fast and your head goes back, it hurts and you feel like yoy want to hurl :-p :wink:
 
  • #217
yomamma said:
it hurts and you feel like yoy want to hurl :-p :wink:
You are a very strange kid.
 
  • #218
I'm a fun kid. I love the rides that make you feel like that. once at six flags, I wated three hours to get on "X" because it was the most inverted roller coaster in the world
 
  • #219
yomamma said:
The only time I like that ride is when someone strong is spinning it incredibly fast and your head goes back, it hurts and you feel like yoy want to hurl :-p :wink:
The teacups are deadly, I love spinning those things. :devil: The trick is to keep your head forward and tilted down.
 
  • #220
Evo said:
The teacups are deadly, I love spinning those things. :devil: The trick is to keep your head forward and tilted down.
Yeah, that's so you puke in the bottom of the teacup and not on yourself or the person next to you. :smile:
 
  • #221
Moonbear said:
Yeah, that's so you puke in the bottom of the teacup and not on yourself or the person next to you. :smile:

Hey, if puking is what you want, then the teacups have NOTHING on Mission Space!

I rode it when it was opened only to castmembers and passholders. I haven't rode it since because 1 minute into it, I knew I was going to be in trouble. And I don't get motion sickness at all on roller coasters and even on the spinning Primeval Whirl! I managed to hold off for the remainder of the ride, but it took me several minutes afterwards to recover.

Since then, I heard that the periodically had to stop the ride because they had to... er... "clean up". Now, they have barf bags on that ride similar to the ones you get on airplanes.

Zz.
 
  • #222
Today is our last full day at Disney World (sob). Most of the day will be spent at the Magic Kingdom (I'm determined to get onto the Dumbo ride even if it kills me). We plan on coming back to the hotel in the afternoon to rest up a bit. After that, dinner at Epcot, another look at Illuminations, and then the Disney/MGM private circuit party at 10:00 pm into the wee hours of the morning. Both The Tower of Terror and Rock n' Rollercoaster will be running non-stop for the partygoers, and a big dance floor will be under the big Sorcerer's Hat.

It has already been a memorable trip. Today will be the cherry on top.

Zz.
 
  • #223
ZapperZ said:
Hey, if puking is what you want, then the teacups have NOTHING on Mission Space!

Um, no, puking rather ruins the fun and leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I think I might just need to skip Mission Space if it's that bad.

Have fun on your last day there! :biggrin:
So sorry the real world wants you back so soon. :frown:
 
  • #224
I'm back at work (real world) and I miss Disney World already. :(

I'm tired and half asleep. But I had a TERRIFIC week at Disney World. Met many new people there - strangers we adopt along the way who have no clue on what to do, when to do, or why to do it. We even exchange e-mail with a few of them with promises to come back next year.

The highlight of the whole trip was... well... there were two highlights. First was of course, SOARIN'. This is a MUST attraction. It has replaced (at least for me), the #1 attraction at Epcot. No wonder it got just rave reviews from Disneyland. Thanks, Disneyland. It was a fair exchange with you getting the Tower of Terror.

The second was the Keys to the Magic Kingdom tour. This behind-the-scene tour was an eye-opener. It was very satisfying for us who have been here many times and thought we knew a lot of Walt and his dreams.

So now, we're making plans for Labor Day week. Anyone here joining us? :) I can say without hesitation that the larger the group, the bigger the fun.

Final pictures of the trip will be posted some time later, including the few special pins that I either bought, received, or traded.

Zz.
 
  • #225
Aww...well, welcome back to the real world. But that's the sign of a great vacation, returning to work so tired that you could really use a vacation to get some rest. :smile:
 
  • #226
This is the last and final picture from the Disney World trip of Memorial Day week 2005. It was the last night private party at Disney/MGM Studios and shows the fireworks over the Sorcerer's Hat near midnight. It was a fun, fun evening. We rode Tower of Terror 5 times, Rock N' Roller Coaster twice, Star Tours once, and The Great Movie Ride once. We danced our butt off at two difference dance areas right by the Hat, and in the courtyard right in front of Rock N' Roller Coaster.

Everyone back home loved the golden Mickey ears hat we bought for them. I have tons and tons of Disney Pins to sort through and put them into my pin book. I also have three different shipments coming from Disney World that we had bought and had them ship directly home. Those would be arriving in the next 2 weeks or so.

Can't wait till September...

Zz.
 
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  • #227
ZapperZ said:
Everyone back home loved the golden Mickey ears hat we bought for them.
Hmm...mine seem to be lost in the mail. :rolleyes: You did get me golden Mickey ears, didn't you? Huh? You didn't forget me, did you? :frown: Did you? :frown: :cry: You forgot me! :cry: :cry:
 
  • #228
Moonbear said:
Hmm...mine seem to be lost in the mail. :rolleyes: You did get me golden Mickey ears, didn't you? Huh? You didn't forget me, did you? :frown: Did you? :frown: :cry: You forgot me! :cry: :cry:

Moonbie dear, consider it as an added incentive for you to go to Disney World with me this year before the Golden Celebration ends! :)

Zz.
 
  • #229
ZapperZ said:
Moonbie dear, consider it as an added incentive for you to go to Disney World with me this year before the Golden Celebration ends! :)

Zz.

I want to, I really really want to! A week ago, I was all ready to start making reservations as soon as a date was set...and, well, you know why I can't right now. :cry: If no miracle comes my way and I can't make it next time you're there, I'll happily send you the money to buy me golden mouse ears and mail them to me. :smile:
 
  • #230
Moonbear said:
I want to, I really really want to! A week ago, I was all ready to start making reservations as soon as a date was set...and, well, you know why I can't right now. :cry: If no miracle comes my way and I can't make it next time you're there, I'll happily send you the money to buy me golden mouse ears and mail them to me. :smile:

It's a deal. If you can't make it for Labor Day week, I'll reserve one for you.

Now aren't you glad that I'm not making you wrestle with an 11-year old the way Integral is making you to to get to that Disneyland gold mickey ears? :)

Zz.
 
  • #231
ZapperZ said:
It's a deal. If you can't make it for Labor Day week, I'll reserve one for you.

Now aren't you glad that I'm not making you wrestle with an 11-year old the way Integral is making you to to get to that Disneyland gold mickey ears? :)

Zz.
:biggrin: Deal! You just made my day! :smile: :!) Yep, glad I don't have to wrestle an 11-yr old, they can be pretty tough! :biggrin:
 
  • #232
ppfft! eleven?! rriiigghht...sooo tough... :rolleyes:
 
  • #233
One of the things I learned from the Keys to the Magic Kingdom guided tour was that the Florida park is the ONLY one named "Walt Disney World Resort", i.e. it has Walt's full name attached to it. Yet, Walt was not alive when The Magic Kindom at Disney World opened in 1971. Supposedly, Roy O. Disney (Walt's brother who help financed Disneyland) was coaxed out of retirement to head the company after Walt's death. He help supervised the completion of The Magic Kingdom, which was part of Walt's vision of the theme park complex. He insisted that the whole resort be named "Walt Disney World" because he did not want people to forget that it was entirely Walt's idea.

During the dedication ceremony, it was told that Roy mentioned that it was the happiest and saddest moment in his life. He was happy that Walt's vision has come to fruition, but it was also his saddest be he wished Walt could have been there to see it.

Roy O. Disney died 4 months later.

Zz.
 
  • #234
Drat!

I just got this picture from my Disney newsletter, and it shows a GOLDEN DUMBO ride at Disneyland! They didn't have this at Disney World - it was your old regular dumbo.

Now I'm jealous of Integral and his trip to Disneyland... :(

Zz.
 
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  • #235
ZapperZ said:
Drat!

I just got this picture from my Disney newsletter, and it shows a GOLDEN DUMBO ride at Disneyland! They didn't have this at Disney World - it was your old regular dumbo.

Now I'm jealous of Integral and his trip to Disneyland... :(

Zz.
Uh oh! You might have to make a trip to Disneyland! Gotta ride the Golden Dumbo ride with your golden mouse ears on! :biggrin:
 
  • #236
The date for the next fun adventure to Walt Disney World is set. It will be Sept. 3rd till Sept. 11th, 2005.

There's a special rate at the Grosvenor Resort at Walt Disney World. The rate goes from $89.00 (weekend) to $69.00 (weekday), and stay 5 nights, get 1 night free! This hotel is within walking distance to Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island.

So, any PF'ers going to be joining us? :)

Zz.
 
  • #237
Now that I ALREADY KNEW mickey mouse and his families WELL, but I don't think I will go to Disneyland even when the price gets more lower. True!
 
  • #238
ZapperZ said:
Drat!

I just got this picture from my Disney newsletter, and it shows a GOLDEN DUMBO ride at Disneyland! They didn't have this at Disney World - it was your old regular dumbo.

Now I'm jealous of Integral and his trip to Disneyland... :(

Zz.
Zz,
That golden Dumbo may indicate that it is an original car. That is what they did in Autotopia. (I am assuming that on a ride like the Dumbo ride that they have spare "cars" that can be changed in and out as required for safety and maintenance. ) If that is the case this gold one is one that was in place on the opening day in 1955.
 
  • #239
I am still thinking about going to Disney World. The problem will be getting off from work, I have a few projects going that will probably prevent it. My best friend in Italy had also asked me to spend a week in Las Vegas with him in July, but that's out. :frown:

I can never schedule anything. :cry:
 
  • #240
Evo said:
I am still thinking about going to Disney World. The problem will be getting off from work, I have a few projects going that will probably prevent it. My best friend in Italy had also asked me to spend a week in Las Vegas with him in July, but that's out. :frown:

I can never schedule anything. :cry:

OK, well, don't blame me for not inviting you. Besides, it could be your last chance at getting those golden mickey ears hat! :)

Zz.
 
  • #241
Well, if things at work continue the way they have been, I will probably be unemployed by September, so I can hock my jewelry and spend the week in Disney World before I commit suicide.
 
  • #242
Evo said:
Well, if things at work continue the way they have been, I will probably be unemployed by September, so I can hock my jewelry and spend the week in Disney World before I commit suicide.

Oh no. That will not do. I expect you to be coming back to Disney World every year, Evo! Addiction loves company. It will only be fun if you come back. Besides, I haven't introduced you to the "joy" of collecting Disney Pins! :)

Zz.
 
  • #243
Evo, we can live in cardboard boxes on the FL beaches! There are far worse places to be homeless than FL. And since there's no thermostat to fight over in a cardboard box, we'll be good roomies. :biggrin: (Uh, yeah, it looks like the person whose lab I work in is moving out of the country, so I'm in the process of figuring out whether I'm also going to be homeless by September/October...it's no fun when life gets in the way of a Disney trip.)
 
  • #244
Sure, get me hooked on collecting Disney pins once I'm destitute. :cry: I'll be standing on the street corner with my cardboard sign "need money for Disney pins".
 
  • #245
Evo said:
Sure, get me hooked on collecting Disney pins once I'm destitute. :cry: I'll be standing on the street corner with my cardboard sign "need money for Disney pins".
That's okay, I'm already working on my sign, "Will Work For Disney Pins." :smile:
 
  • #246
Evo said:
Sure, get me hooked on collecting Disney pins once I'm destitute. :cry: I'll be standing on the street corner with my cardboard sign "need money for Disney pins".

No, no! You don't understand! Go on ebay and you'll see that you can make a comfy living just by selling Disney Pins! There are many poor souls like me who'll pay top dollar just to get that last pin to make a complete set!

Besides, that sign should read "Will work for Disney Pins!" :)

Zz.

Drat! Moonbie beat me to it!
 
  • #247
Moonbear said:
That's okay, I'm already working on my sign, "Will Work For Disney Pins." :smile:
See, that's much better than my sign. :frown: I even fail at being homeless. :cry:
 
  • #248
Oooh, I have this great porcelain Disney collector's set of all the characters with furniture and ovens, utensils, etc... in a wooden house (each character has a different "room" and theme). I love that collection. I have all the certificates.
 
  • #249
Evo said:
See, that's much better than my sign. :frown: I even fail at being homeless. :cry:
Don't worry, I'll share my Boone's Farm "wine" with you. :-p (I just couldn't bring myself to call it "wine" without quotation marks.)
 
  • #250
Moonbear said:
Don't worry, I'll share my Boone's Farm "wine" with you. :-p (I just couldn't bring myself to call it "wine" without quotation marks.)
Can I live under your deck with the stray cat?
 

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