Disney World PF Gathering and Tips for Disney Mania!

[ZapperZ]

Ooh, I like that one!

Yes, that seems to be my favorite holiday pin so far, even if it's a jumbo pin.

Anyway, a pin popped up today out of nowhere. It's a pin for Thanksgiving and will be released at the World of Disney store in New York City. And it's a terrific pin because of the tie-in with the large balloon characters that we see in Macy's Thanksgiving parade.

Do people in NYC even realize that they have access to some of the nicest pins Disney has ever produced? :)

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904457.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

Celebration, which is a city created by Walt Disney near Orlando, has been called everything from a utopia to social engineering gone bad. A terrific blog describing its history and day-to-day living can be found here:

http://www.designobserver.com/archives/005471.html

Evo, Moonbie: remember when all those accidents at WDW were happening that they brought these people to Celebration Hospital? This is the place.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Stitch's High Sea Adventure Pin Event

Here's something that will drive you nuts, Moonbie. It certainly drove me bonkers. These are pins we cannot get because they are part of a pin event on a Disney Cruise line being released today.

The first one is titled Scavenger Hunt - Chip and Dale Gone "Coconuts". I don't collect a lot of Chip and Dale, but even *I* would love to have this pin. It just shows their playfulness.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/109111317.jpgThe second one is also a Chip and Dale pin. This reminds me of that thanksgiving pin where they are taking a nap after gouging on the turkey. In this one, they had waaaay too much coconut juice.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904504.jpg

All terrific pins. I bet we'll start seeing them on ebay after the cruise ends and some people on it start selling them off. Ugh!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Thanks to MKT of WDWMagic, this is a link full of the latest pictures of the holiday decorations at Disney/MGM studios - something we will get to see in January. I can't wait already...

http://www.mkt3000.com/pics/disney_11-12-05/

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Looks like Chicken Little is holding on strong.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051113/ap_on_en_mo/box_office;_ylt=AvEgNUFEP9HNoMM.ic1XXvCs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3b2NibDltBHNlYwM3MTY-

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Here's something that will drive you nuts, Moonbie. It certainly drove me bonkers. These are pins we cannot get because they are part of a pin event on a Disney Cruise line being released today.

The first one is titled Scavenger Hunt - Chip and Dale Gone "Coconuts". I don't collect a lot of Chip and Dale, but even *I* would love to have this pin. It just shows their playfulness.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/109111317.jpg


The second one is also a Chip and Dale pin. This reminds me of that thanksgiving pin where they are taking a nap after gouging on the turkey. In this one, they had waaaay too much coconut juice.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904504.jpg

All terrific pins. I bet we'll start seeing them on ebay after the cruise ends and some people on it start selling them off. Ugh!

Zz.

Aww...now I think I need to take a Disney Cruise, just to get my paws on those pins! :!) :!)

Zz, I was out shopping and wandered through the electronics section in Sears (who can resist such a thing?) and saw this TV (plus there was a matching DVD/VCR player).
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...tical=ELEC&pid=05723167000&subcat=Regular+TVs

Now we'll find out just how much of a fanatic you are...where would you put that TV, and would you even consider replacing the big screen TV with a 13" TV just because it's Disney?

 

[ZapperZ]

Aww...now I think I need to take a Disney Cruise, just to get my paws on those pins! :!) :!)
Zz, I was out shopping and wandered through the electronics section in Sears (who can resist such a thing?) and saw this TV (plus there was a matching DVD/VCR player).
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...tical=ELEC&pid=05723167000&subcat=Regular+TVs
Now we'll find out just how much of a fanatic you are...where would you put that TV, and would you even consider replacing the big screen TV with a 13" TV just because it's Disney?

Nope! I have seen that TV before in the Disney catalog. So I'm immune to that.

So, did YOU buy it?

:)

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Nope! I have seen that TV before in the Disney catalog. So I'm immune to that.

Phew! There's still some hope for you.

So, did YOU buy it?
:)
Zz.

No way...I was drooling at the flat screen LCD and Plasma TVs, so a measly Mickey TV didn't have a chance (how long before those flat TVs come down in price to something us mere mortals can afford?). But as soon as I saw it, I thought of you.

 

[ZapperZ]

No way...I was drooling at the flat screen LCD and Plasma TVs, so a measly Mickey TV didn't have a chance (how long before those flat TVs come down in price to something us mere mortals can afford?). But as soon as I saw it, I thought of you.

Hey, maybe you should get the Mickey waffle iron instead.

http://adisney.images.go.com/Images/I-Catalog/DS/Products/005181/23023/23023_Z.jpg

If you have a Costco, you may want to try them. The prices for flat panel TV are coming down quite fast, especially for the 42". And those are the TV's you want for HDTV. Rear projection HDTV is a bit of a pain - you need to call a professional to have it calibrated and alligned. That means more money, or else the picture does not look at good as it should.

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

I saw that waffle iron in the catalog, but since I already have a waffle iron that I don't use often enough to justify buying another one, I was able to resist.

I don't think there's any Costco type place around here. I don't know though, I never looked because living alone, there isn't much they have to offer that I could use in such large quantities to justify the membership cost. Though, if I were to find a flat panel TV at a good price, that would be worth the membership. I keep eyeing the prices. So far, only the 32" ones are coming into the price range I might be willing to pay, but that's the really low end ones. Maybe I'll watch for post-Christmas or February sales (those months usually have the best sale prices on things...otherwise I'll just keep waiting...when everyone else has one first, the prices will be closer to what I'm willing to pay).

 

[ZapperZ]

I saw that waffle iron in the catalog, but since I already have a waffle iron that I don't use often enough to justify buying another one, I was able to resist.

I don't think there's any Costco type place around here. I don't know though, I never looked because living alone, there isn't much they have to offer that I could use in such large quantities to justify the membership cost. Though, if I were to find a flat panel TV at a good price, that would be worth the membership. I keep eyeing the prices. So far, only the 32" ones are coming into the price range I might be willing to pay, but that's the really low end ones. Maybe I'll watch for post-Christmas or February sales (those months usually have the best sale prices on things...otherwise I'll just keep waiting...when everyone else has one first, the prices will be closer to what I'm willing to pay).

I'd say that's a good plan. They will start dipping in prices in the next year when digital signal starts to become mandatory.

BTW, they serve that mickey waffle at Breakfast with Chef Mickey at the Contemporary Resort. We should do that when we go in January. How about you, Evo? Ready to bite into Mickey's ears for breakfast?

:)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

A new pin set is being released today at WDW for the Spectacle of Lights at Disney/MGM Studios. This include a passholder pin, a disney vacation club pin, a jumbo pin, and a general release pin. I'm certainly hoping that both the passholder pin and the disney vacation club pin will still be around in January. The one below is the jumbo pin, and it is another winner.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904490.jpg

 

[Cybersteve]

Having just returned from my 5th visit to WDW here's a few points I'd like to make for those still planning to go - especially from the UK.
Apologies if these are covered elsewhere but this thread is very long!

Blizzard Beach is closed for refurbishment!
We weren't told this before we bought our tickets, even those of us who bought tickets at the resort weren't told. Typhoon Lagoon is the only water park open and we don't like it as much - but the new Crushin' Gusher ride is great!

Disney tickets no longer last for ever - unless you pay $55 extra.
We opted to pay this at the end of our stay. Tickets can be upgraded wherever they can be purchased.

When you use your park ticket you also have to have your fingers scanned. the ticket then becomes linked to you. We go in a large group and often used to swap our tickets to make the most of them-especially when park-hopping.


Soarin'
At Epcot, a great ride- a very simple concept but great!

A new stunt show at MGM is very good but probably only worth one visit.

Millionare at MGM is biased against the British - too many American questions! Probably a conspiracy to stop us brits from beating you!

In general we had a great time. However this year we had run out of smaller kids to take so this coupled with the fat that it's the latest we've been may have contributed to our general feeling that some of the magic had gone.
Some of the staff seemed to have lost their "sparkle"
After the first week of park-hopping we were "Disneyed-out" and decided to save our tickets. We planned to do the rival parks - which we've been to before.
Somehow we got side-tracked though and spent the last week pool-hopping, shopping and eating!

 

[ZapperZ]

First of all, Aloha from sunny and warm Honolulu. I'm in the AA Admiral's club waiting for my connecting flight to Lihue, Kauai.

Having just returned from my 5th visit to WDW here's a few points I'd like to make for those still planning to go - especially from the UK.
Apologies if these are covered elsewhere but this thread is very long!

No apologies necessary. Trip reports are always welcomed here.

Blizzard Beach is closed for refurbishment!
We weren't told this before we bought our tickets, even those of us who bought tickets at the resort weren't told. Typhoon Lagoon is the only water park open and we don't like it as much - but the new Crushin' Gusher ride is great!

That's why you need to do a bit of homework before you leave. Checkout the Disney World website. They have quite an update on all the closed/rehab attractions, or go to WDWmagic.com

And definitely, Soarin' is THE attraction to go on at WDW.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Being reported today at Laughing Place:

"The Legends of Hollywood shop at Disney-MGM Studios is now a Tinker Bell shop. It was a shop focused on the Pooh Charaters. And Pooh Corner at Downtown Disney is now devoted to all Disney characters, not just the Pooh characters."

DRAT! I love that Pooh Store!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Now this is another gorgeous pin. This is by a featured artist, Sam Wang, who is part of the Disney Design Group. It will be released at Disneyland, and none of us will have a chance to get it without paying through our noses on ebay. :(

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/9935011.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

It was 40 years ago, today, November 15, that Walt Disney, Roy O Disney, and Florida Governor at that time, Hayden Burns, announced the plans for a $100 million Disney resort project in Central Florida. To commemorate this event (yes, you definitely know what's coming next), a lovely pin is being released. It features Mickey pointing to the location of Walt Disney World, similar to Walt Disney during his film about the "Florida Project".

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904381.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

Major reorganizatoins going on in the House of Mouse. Looks like Bob Iger is quick at making his presence known. The Disney theme parks are getting a lot of his attention, it seems.

http://www.laughingplace.com/Latest.asp?I1=ID&I2=702
(Pay attention to the mention of "disneyphilles" and "Chicago". Was he talking about me?
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/orl-asecdisney15111505nov15,0,1525888.story

http://laughingplace.com/Latest.asp

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Recently, there were two deaths at the WDW resort. One of the 4-year old boy who collapsed and later died after riding Mission Space. The other was the 12-year old girl who died at Typhoon Lagoon. The autopsy report on both were finally released. They both had pre-existing heart conditions.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/orl-bk-boy111505,0,190910.story?coll=orl-home-headlines
http://www.wftv.com/news/5330063/detail.html

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Remember this Energizer battery story?

https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=729784&postcount=712

OK, so that bunny is up to something again. Now, they have a collectable Narnia globe packed with the energizer batteries. I'm not into this, having not seen the movie. Thank god they don't have anymore pins or other disney characters stuff, or I would again make a fool of myself on the floor of my neighbhorhood Home Depot!

http://www.energizer.com/products/energizermax/promotions.aspx

Zz.

 

[Cybersteve]

Thanks for the WDwmagic link Zapperz, if we go again I'll make sure we check it out first.

We spent so long on the internet prior to our recent trip, what with booking flights, arranging insurance, travel cheques etc. for 9 people and looking out for Wilma!, that checking what was open at Disney was the last thing on our minds!

We might decide to give the Disney parks a miss next visit. Our plans (which change daily) are to try a Disney cruise for a week then spend a week at Old Key West doing all the non-Disney things in Florida that we never get around to for a change.

Hope that doesn't make us a traitor in your eyes!

How are the Disney Cruises?
I've never been on a cruise ship before so only having one week seems like a good idea in case we don't like it!
Will we regret not doing 2 weeks on a cruise?

 

[Astronuc]

I am surprised this didn't come up in this thread - http://www.zazzle.com/collections/disneyinkshop/default.asp

 

[ZapperZ]

Thanks for the WDwmagic link Zapperz, if we go again I'll make sure we check it out first.
We spent so long on the internet prior to our recent trip, what with booking flights, arranging insurance, travel cheques etc. for 9 people and looking out for Wilma!, that checking what was open at Disney was the last thing on our minds!

That's certainly is understandable. Next time, ask me on here. I try to be up-to-date with what's going on at WDW, so I could save you time and effort trolling all those site for info. But then again, there's usually plenty of stuff that I could miss.

We might decide to give the Disney parks a miss next visit. Our plans (which change daily) are to try a Disney cruise for a week then spend a week at Old Key West doing all the non-Disney things in Florida that we never get around to for a change.
Hope that doesn't make us a traitor in your eyes!
How are the Disney Cruises?
I've never been on a cruise ship before so only having one week seems like a good idea in case we don't like it!
Will we regret not doing 2 weeks on a cruise?

Again, perfectly understandable to do other non-disney stuff especially if you don't have annual passes like I do. Old Key West is also a terrific resort, IF you can book there, since it is a very popular Disney Vacation Club resort. The DVC member gets top priority in book there.

I've never done the Disney Cruise (I can suffer from sea sick). People who have done it say nothing but very rave review. They have stuff planned for an entire family, so you may not see the kids for hours on end since they have plenty of things to do. Many parents like that! :)

I may have you get me some Disney pins if you go on one of these cruises! And I know Moonbie wants some too. :)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

So we try not to do "controversial" stuff on this thread, but I just finished reading this:

Did the NAACP kill Disney's "Song of the South"?

http://www.jimhillmedia.com/article.php?id=1741

Zz.

 

[Cybersteve]

My sister-in-law is a DVC member at Old Key West and has been since it opened, which is how we are able to get there.
Last year we contemplated buying some more points to give us a bit more freedom of choice over dates and accomadation.

We were invited to presentation at Saratoga Springs (free meal vouchers! and ice cream) but we felt it was too crowded even then. Going back this year we noticed it has become even larger.
Although the interior decor at OKW is starting to look a bit dated the size of the apartments, the space around them and the general "homely" nature of the place suits us more. We may buy more points for OKW but are slightly worried in case we end up with too many. The way the points/air fares and school holidays all relate to each other causes problems for our long term planning.

One thing that did occur to me is that Downtown Disney will become increasingly crowded due to the expansion of Saratoga Springs. A bit of a problem for us as one of our favourite evening eating places is Rainforest Cafe, which is already very busy.
I wonder if there are plans to expand Downtown Disney?

Rest assured Zapper z, if we do go on a Disney cruise next year I shall let you know here first and in return for any help you give would be more than happy to get the pins you need!

 

[ZapperZ]

My sister-in-law is a DVC member at Old Key West and has been since it opened, which is how we are able to get there.
Last year we contemplated buying some more points to give us a bit more freedom of choice over dates and accomadation.
We were invited to presentation at Saratoga Springs (free meal vouchers! and ice cream) but we felt it was too crowded even then. Going back this year we noticed it has become even larger.
Although the interior decor at OKW is starting to look a bit dated the size of the apartments, the space around them and the general "homely" nature of the place suits us more. We may buy more points for OKW but are slightly worried in case we end up with too many. The way the points/air fares and school holidays all relate to each other causes problems for our long term planning.

Yes, Old Key West is starting to look old. But as you've said, the spaciousness more than makes up for it. It is also, as you know, the cheapest DVC resort in terms of points.

I have 230 points and deeded to Saratoga Springs. We bought it just last September and will be using it for the first time the first week of January. So I'm really looking forward to it. And yes, it has expanded and will continue expanding. I think they are in the middle of building the next phase already. So the resort is definitely getting larger.

One thing that did occur to me is that Downtown Disney will become increasingly crowded due to the expansion of Saratoga Springs. A bit of a problem for us as one of our favourite evening eating places is Rainforest Cafe, which is already very busy. I wonder if there are plans to expand Downtown Disney?

I haven't seen that significant difference in the crowd number at Downtown Disney. But then again, I don't usually go to Rainforest Cafe and I do know there's always a wait to get in during the peak lunch/dinner hours. The area is still my most favorite area to stay, which is why Saratoga Springs was almost a perfect location for me. Being able to walk or take a quick boat ride into Downtown Disney is a big plus.

Rest assured Zapper z, if we do go on a Disney cruise next year I shall let you know here first and in return for any help you give would be more than happy to get the pins you need!

How often do you get to Orlando? Hopefully, one of these days, our schedule would match and we could all meet at the Happiest Place on Earth! I'll see if I can drag Evo and Moonbie along then too!

:)

Zz.

 

[Cybersteve]

We've been 5 times in the last 7 years. Originally, because of the cost, we only intended going every other year, but now find ourselves able to go for 2 weeks or more each year!
We do feel slightly guilty about not giving the rest of the world a chance, there are many other places we'd like to try, but we know we won't be dissappointed with Florida.
The apparent increase in hurricanes may play a part in our future decisons. Last year we were worried in case Ivan prevented us leaving and Jeanne hit Orlando while we were there. OKW stood up well and was one of the resorts that people were evacuated to. This year Wilma almost prevented us flying. Some flights for the day before we left were cancelled. Because we book "flights only" rather than a package deal I think we run the risk of having our holiday completely cancelled.

We used to have the first 2 weeks in Sept. but have gradually moved later and later, partly to avoid the hurricanes, but they seem to be following us!

As our family and friends grow and expand it all gets rather complicated trying to get them to commit to dates early enough to ensure we can get into OKW - as I said school holidays is the biggest hurdle. Parents can now be fined for taking their children out of school over here. Most of us don't like doing this anyway, unless it is at a relatively unimportant stage of the child's school career.

The time we enjoyed most was in 2002 when 11 of us shared a grand villa at OKW, we had some interesting sleeping arrangements! The mix of young and old kids and adults was just about perfect and a great time was had by all.

The downside to such a large party was organising taxis to take us off-Disney to the shopping malls and of course Wall-Mart, which is usually our first trip to stock up on food and essentials for the holiday.

 

[ZapperZ]

Oh, last year we went to WDW in between 2 hurricanes. It was the BEST time we ever had since the parks were almost deserted! So hurricanes have never stopped us. :)

BTW, did you all buy your gold Mickey Ears on this last trip?

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

The Disney Insider look behind the scenes of the highly-anticipated Expedition Everest.

http://disney.go.com/inside/issues/stories/v051115.html

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Evo, Moonbie,

We will get to see this very same thing. These are the pictures of holiday decorations at Disney/MGM Studios, AND the lit-up Osbourne Family Spectacle of Lights that will go on till Jan 8th. So this is just a preview..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/indigoskye/sets/1373252/

Zz.

 

[Cybersteve]

No mouse ears for us. My wife collects the things you put on the end of car aerials, and fridge magnets, and anything to do with Winnie the Pooh and cute soft toys and...

The list is endless but she makes up for causing my poverty in other ways.
If you were at Saratoga Springs last September we might have seen you!
The pool at OKW was closed whilst they built the new water slide and we were told to pool-hop to SS.
Perhaps we were on the same boat to Downtown Disney?

Incidentaly the water slide at OKW is made to look like a castle and looks unfinished and out of place unless viewed from behind where you can appreciate that it is supposed to be part of the large children's sand pit.

I didn't realize this until after we got back and I viewed the photos I'd taken!

 

[ZapperZ]

No mouse ears for us. My wife collects the things you put on the end of car aerials, and fridge magnets, and anything to do with Winnie the Pooh and cute soft toys and...

That's too bad. They are available only for a limited time only, and many people who haven't been to WDW or Disneyland since last May have never seen the gold ears. So they've become quite a sort-after items. Not sure when you're planning on coming back, but I think they will be available till August next year. You should get at least one of the gold ears or else you'll be sorry later on. Trust me on this. :)

The list is endless but she makes up for causing my poverty in other ways.
If you were at Saratoga Springs last September we might have seen you!
The pool at OKW was closed whilst they built the new water slide and we were told to pool-hop to SS.
Perhaps we were on the same boat to Downtown Disney?
Incidentaly the water slide at OKW is made to look like a castle and looks unfinished and out of place unless viewed from behind where you can appreciate that it is supposed to be part of the large children's sand pit.
I didn't realize this until after we got back and I viewed the photos I'd taken!

We haven't taken up residence at Saratoga Springs yet. We only bought into it last Sept. So this trip for the 1st week of January will be the first time we will be staying there. I'm looking forward to it very much. I'm not sure if we will make use of the boat. I will have to see how far it is from Downtown Disney since I much prefer walking to it.

Do you know when you might be coming back, at least to do other Orlando theme parks? At the rate we are going, beyond the Jan. trip. we have made reservations to be at Saratoga Springs during the first week of June 2006. We are also planning on the first week of September, 2006, which is the week of Labor Day weekend holiday here. I'm hoping Evo and Moonbie (and maybe other PF members) might want to come along during one of these trips also, especially the one in Sept.

Zz.

 

[Cybersteve]

Our current plans are the second week in September on a Disney Cruise and the third week at OKW.
An added complication is that we have a very good friend at British Airways who gets our tickets at staff rates. The problem is we have to book early and can't change any of the travel details without losing our money.
This year, because of our experience last year, we decided to travel with Virgin and paid full price. It probably cost us, as a group, close to $2,000 extra and many of our party didn't like that!

How far you'll be from Dowtown Disney very much depends on where you are in Saratoga Springs, it was getting larger by the day.
If you're at the "Old Key West end" you'd have a long enough walk just getting to the boat!
They have started a shuttle across to West Side, they'll ask when you board the boat if anyone wants to go there, if not they'll take you to the Rainforest Cafe.
You can't get the shuttle back for some reason, apart from in the evening.
This may all change by next year with the expansion of Saratoga Springs.
Or possibly it was just because we were there at a quiet time of the year.

 

[ZapperZ]

Not surprisingly, Disney movie division lost money over the last quarter. The numbers do not include Chicken Little, so the next report should be interesting.

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticleSearch.aspx?storyID=285703

Speaking of Chicken Little, the Disney Digital 3D that was employed in that movie will again be a part of their next animated feature, Meet the Robinsons, scheduled to be released this December.

http://www.laughingplace.com/News-ID10024540.asp

If this becomes as big as a success at Chicken Little, then I'd say Disney in-house animation is back (Pixar who?).

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Mickey Mouse turns 77 yesterday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MICKEY MOUSE!

I half-expected Evo to lead this charge. :)

Zz.