Disney World PF Gathering and Tips for Disney Mania!

[ZapperZ]

One of the things I've always wanted was a picture of me on a ride. It's not easy because usually the whole group gets on the ride with us and so there's no one standing outside of the ride to take a picture. Luckily, this time, it is different. One member of our group does not like the "fast" or "drop" rides. This rules out all roller coasters, and even Splash Mountain for him.

So since he won't come with us on the ride, we made him take our pictures whenever possible. This picture contains yours truly as he's about to take the final plunge at Splash Mountain!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

The following are pictures from the One Mighty Party event at Disney-MGM Studios. We entered through a side entrance because the park wasn't closed yet. We get to see a large section of the backstage area one one side of the MGM main vehicle entrance.

They were holding us away from the rest of the regular guests at the Lights, Motor, Action stadium. Those if us who got there early got to go right on "stage", but as soon as capacity was reached, it was closed off and the rest of the attendees had to stay in the grand stand. By around 9:00 pm, even the grand stand was almost 3/4 full.

Kathy Griffin came on at 9:30 pm and proceeded to rock the crowd. There were a few technical glitches with the mic, but other than that, we were all in stitches as she dissed one celebrity after another.

After Kathy finished her set, we were then herded towards the main part of the party, which is Star Tours, the Sorcerer Hat, Tower of Terror, and Rock 'N Rollercoaster. As we walk along the Street of NY to get there, it was a bit of a sight to see signs like this. This was where the Honey I Shrunk the Kids play set sign usually appear.

[cont...]

 

[ZapperZ]

[...cont]

The plaza in front of the hat became a major dance area and the music was pumping. In fact, they had music pumping in from the entrance and all over the accessible area of the partygoers.

The crowd was lively, and everyone headed to their favorite ride, which for most, was Tower of Terror and Rock 'N Rollercoaster.

It was actually a terrific event. Having an opening act to hold the crowd first while they empty out the park was a good idea. Not only do they get to have the crowd longer, it also made for a boatload of beverage sales, the lines of which never grew short. So this was certainly a good idea. I just wish that I'm younger with more energy that can survive through one of these things with only a few hours of sleep. So I guess I'm just getting too old for this.

:)

We are planning on skipping going to WDW again at this time next year. We will still go in Sept., but just not during the Memorial Day week. Not sure what we'll do. Maybe go to LA and do Disneyland again? Now that's an idea!



Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

This is from our last day at the Happiest Place on Earth. We spent it at Epcot. But before that, the rain that was on and off throughout the day before is gone. This is the view on the balcony right outside our room. I can see clearly now the rain is gone... it's going to be a bright, bright, sun shiny day! :)

We checked our luggage with the bell hop and then headed straight to Epcot. They were in the final weekend of the Flower and Garden Fesitval.

We headed headed off to see Figment, even though it isn't something I enjoy.

We had lunch at Le Cellier. I already reported my dining experience there, so I won't go into it here.

But while we were waiting for our table, a few cast members there sang O' Canada to us. That was a nice diversion.

We went to Soarin' after lunch with our fast pass. The regular standby queue line is still under construction, so you don't get to see those big lighted pictures and the trivia video screen.

After that, we barely had a few minutes left to take advantage of the Disney Visa Rewards Character Meet 'N Greet. Mickey and Pluto were there and we took lots of pictures with them.

Unfortunately, it was time to leave for the airport. We will miss it, but look forward to our next trip in early Sept. for the Pin event.

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

From looking at the photos from your party on red shirt day, all I have to say is...how come the gay men are always the cutest ones?! That is a crowd of HUNKS!

 

[ZapperZ]

From looking at the photos from your party on red shirt day, all I have to say is...how come the gay men are always the cutest ones?! That is a crowd of HUNKS!

It's all cosmetics and hair gel, I tell ya!



Zz.

 

[stuart888]

The hydraulic system on Disney's Dinosaur ride are high tech for sure. Is there some detail somewhere that explains in detail how they work, and are made?

Thanks, Stuart

 

[ZapperZ]

The hydraulic system on Disney's Dinosaur ride are high tech for sure. Is there some detail somewhere that explains in detail how they work, and are made?

Thanks, Stuart

I don't know of any, but it doesn't mean I won't go looking for it. :)

Note that the vehicle used for the Dinosaur attraction at Animal Kingdom is also the same type used for the Indiana Jones attraction at Disneyland theme park.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Holly Mouse! This has got to be the largest hidden Mickey ever!

Thanks to John Frost at The Disney Blog. This is a google map of an area about 20 miles from Walt Disney World. We don't know what it is, but I am inclined to think that this person who owns this land has got to either be a big Disney fan, or completely oblivious to the fact that whatever is growing in those fields are in the shape of Mickey's head.

http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&t=h&om=1&ll=28.450581,-81.707168&spn=0.015697,0.029182&z=15

It is kinda neat, actually.

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

It's definitely cultivated...perhaps an orange grove? As you zoom in, you can see that it's trees planted in rows, and a clear border cleared around it. Definitely intentional. I guess if you're going to live so close to Disney, why not? Neat that someone found it on google maps. I just wonder who owns it and if they have any affiliation to Disney or just did it for their own amusement. Maybe a road trip is in order next time you're in the area.

 

[ZapperZ]

It's definitely cultivated...perhaps an orange grove? As you zoom in, you can see that it's trees planted in rows, and a clear border cleared around it. Definitely intentional. I guess if you're going to live so close to Disney, why not? Neat that someone found it on google maps. I just wonder who owns it and if they have any affiliation to Disney or just did it for their own amusement. Maybe a road trip is in order next time you're in the area.

Yeah, most people seem to guess that it is an orange grove, especially since this is in Florida.

I'm waiting for some celestial event where 3 planets somehow almost line up and coincidentally form a Mickey head. That would beat this as the biggest hidden Mickey ever.



Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

A new attraction opens today at the Disneyland theme park. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage opens at the same location (and use almost the same submarine) that was occupied by 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction that was closed about 9 years ago.

There's already a http://kori-and-ken.blogspot.com/2007/06/we-looked-for-nemo.html" ! It looks like it shares some similarity with The Seas with Nemo and Friends attraction at Epcot. Still, it might be just enough incentive to go back to Disneyland next year. Anyone else coming along?



Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

I https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=1313885&highlight=zagat#post1313885" that I participated in the Zagat first ever survey of the Walt Disney World. The survey was published about a month ago, and it is touted as the "insider's" guide to WDW. One of the rewards for participating in the survey is that you get a free copy of the report.

I have received the copy (and have been reading it ever since). Ironically, it arrived after we got back from our last WDW vacation, not that we were intending on using it.

Although I've done almost every top-rated restaurants/attractions/etc. there, there are, surprisingly, still a few left that other Disney fans ranked highly that I haven't done! <shock!>

So that is just more of an incentive to go back, don't you think?

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

I always smile with glee whenever I can somehow combine "physics" with "Disney". It doesn't happen very often. I can think of only one other time on here in which it has occurred - when it was found that Enrico Fermi actually was a big fan of Winnie the Pooh and used various characters from it to name several of his instruments. While Pooh isn't strictly an original Disney character, it still has a strong Disney connection.

Now comes an even more direct connection. My "boss", the http://newsblaze.com/story/20070614140044tsop.nb/newsblaze/TOPSTORY/Top-Stories.html" to promote energy conservation. Various characters from the upcoming Disney-Pixar movie "Ratatouille" will be making appearances in 30-second spots promoting the use of energy-conserving lightbulbs, etc.

Humm... maybe I can suggest that they have the characters visit various Nat'l Labs to promote the message! Wouldn't that be a terrific idea? Huh, huh?



Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

A heads-up for anyone who might be interested in this. While the Disney-Pixar movie "Ratatouille" will officially open June 29th, the sneak peak at a number of movie theaters will be TOMORROW evening, June 16.

You can go to the http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/ratatouille/main.html" to find the nearest theater, or check your local listing. I will be seeing it tomorrow evening at a suburban theater that has stadium seating. And from what I've heard so far about this movie, it promises to be one heck of a story and one amazing accomplishment in digital animation. Some even has proclaimed it as the best Pixar has ever produced.

Zz.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

Now comes an even more direct connection. My "boss", the http://newsblaze.com/story/20070614140044tsop.nb/newsblaze/TOPSTORY/Top-Stories.html" to promote energy conservation. Various characters from the upcoming Disney-Pixar movie "Ratatouille" will be making appearances in 30-second spots promoting the use of energy-conserving lightbulbs, etc.

That's great! Strong impressions made early in life can make a big difference.

I've always associated Disney with science. As a kid, part of the thrill of going to Disneyland was to experience the technology and a sense of the future. Tomorrowland certainly followed this theme.

I first used a video phone in about 1965, at Disneyland. Just now we see this becoming a practical reality.

 

[ZapperZ]

That's great! Strong impressions made early in life can make a big difference.

I've always associated Disney with science. As a kid, part of the thrill of going to Disneyland was to experience the technology and a sense of the future. Tomorrowland certainly followed this theme.

For many people, the original "Epcot Center" was supposed to also be just that, where you have innovations and modern technology. I think that is why many Disney purists look at Epcot now (no more "Center", thank you) as a "failure" as far as trying to stick to Walt's vision.

I don't see it as a failure, especially when I consider it to be my favorite theme park. There's no other like it anywhere in the world, not even within Disney. And that is why I plan on being there this coming Oct. 1st when it turns 25, even when Disney is ignoring it.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

We saw Ratatouille last night, and I wrote a http://mydisneymania.blogspot.com/2007/06/review-of-ratatouille.html" if you want to read it. If you have stayed away from animation movies before this because you think they are immature and only good for cheap laughs, you might change your mind with this one. It is a well-crafted movie with a definite Pixar stamp.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

During our last trip to WDW, we videotaped Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom. This is one of the better parades at WDW, but many people miss it because it is towards the late afternoon at Animal Kingdom, and AK usually closes at 6:00 pm. So not many people stay at that park that late in the day.

Still, it is a good parade, and I http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9131815357489643160&hl=en" that we took of it from this last trip. See for yourself.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

These are http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-423.asp" of the recent Star Wars Weekend at Disney-MGM Studios.

While I did visit the theme park during the last trip, I didn't get to do that during the Star Wars weekend, which is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the first Star Wars movie.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Best-Kept Secrets of the Disney Parks

Here's the Disney Insider list of the http://disney.go.com/inside/mainattraction/070612/index.html" at both the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

There certainly is more to the theme parks that meets the eye.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Just because someone brought their child to a Disney theme park does not make him/her a good parent. I've encountered many people who I often wondered whether they should have had children. Still, this particular incident blows all of them away. So file this under the category of people who should not be allowed to have children in the first place.

http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2007/6/25/child_left_in_stroller_at_disney_world.html" , IN THE HOT SUN IN THE MIDDLE OF JUNE in Florida, while they go ride the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at The Magic Kingdom. I'm not making this up!

There are no other words that can be said about these people. I'm waiting for them to come up with some excuse that they left the child in the care of another sibling or family member, etc... but for me, the jury has come back with the verdict already, no matter what excuses they can come up with.

Unbelievable!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Holly Mouse! This has got to be the largest hidden Mickey ever!

Thanks to John Frost at The Disney Blog. This is a google map of an area about 20 miles from Walt Disney World. We don't know what it is, but I am inclined to think that this person who owns this land has got to either be a big Disney fan, or completely oblivious to the fact that whatever is growing in those fields are in the shape of Mickey's head.

http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&t=h&om=1&ll=28.450581,-81.707168&spn=0.015697,0.029182&z=15

It is kinda neat, actually.

Zz.

It appears that the "mystery" to this huge hidden Mickey has been solved. It is a http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/community_conway_blog/2007/07/mickey-mouse-to.html" that was originally initiated by Disney itself.


Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

It appears that the "mystery" to this huge hidden Mickey has been solved. It is a http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/community_conway_blog/2007/07/mickey-mouse-to.html" that was originally initiated by Disney itself.


Zz.

Cool. I wonder if they had any plans to open it to the public. I think it would be neat if they could design it in a way to have trails that don't disrupt the overall view of it, and allow some camping sites.

 

[ZapperZ]

Cool. I wonder if they had any plans to open it to the public. I think it would be neat if they could design it in a way to have trails that don't disrupt the overall view of it, and allow some camping sites.

Asked around about this very thing, and so far, the couple of people I asked didn't even know about the forest, much less if there's a way to visit it. That's not going to stop me, though. I'll just have to ask around a few more people.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Farewell Epcot Wand

The dismantling of the Wand attached to Spaceship Earth at Epcot has begun. As http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-epcot0607jul06,0,495917.story?coll=orl_tab01_layout" , the wand is coming down while Spaceship Earth ride is undergoing a major rehabbing. The wand has been the bane of existence for many Disney purists who hated it with a passion. I didn't find it that offensive, and didn't mind it at all. It added a striking focal point to Spaceship Earth.

While I don't mind it being taken down, I will miss it. It will look rather "naked" next time I go to Epcot.

So, farewell Epcot wand. You will not be forgotten.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Pictures of Wand removal from yesterday

Someone at a Disney fan website posted http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?p=2369047#post2369047" slowly being taken down. Looks like they are starting with the "Epcot" letters.

It is already beginning to look bare. I'm sure it will look quite odd to me the next time I see it, very much like looking at Cindy's castle after all the gold decorations for the Happiest Celebration on Earth were removed.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Happy 52nd Birthday, Disneyland!

Today is Disneyland's 52 birthday. How time has flown. Why, it was only 2 years ago on this date that Laughing Place was updating with live pictures of 20,000 people already in line at 4:00 am to get into Disneyland for the 50th Anniversary celebration. Ah, those were the good old times!



So Happy Birthday, Disneyland!

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Someone at a Disney fan website posted http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?p=2369047#post2369047" slowly being taken down. Looks like they are starting with the "Epcot" letters.

It is already beginning to look bare. I'm sure it will look quite odd to me the next time I see it, very much like looking at Cindy's castle after all the gold decorations for the Happiest Celebration on Earth were removed.

Zz.

I didn't realize the letters were going to go with it. I just thought they were going to remove the actual wand part and the hand holding it and leave up the letters without it. Yeah, now it will look bare after having all that up there so long.

 

[ZapperZ]

There's a "brutal" picture contest at a Disney fan website on just fireworks. I haven't been doing well lately in these contests, simply because there have been just a tremendous amount of unbelievable pictures. I've made it to the final rounds a few times, but I haven't place in the top 3 for the past several months. :(

Anyway, I think I have a strong entry this time, but again, there are some very stiff competition. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Here's my entry. This was taken during IllumiNations at Epcot.

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/7015/img6486ja1.jpg

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

This is one of those stories that reinforces the fact that for many people, especially children, Disney parks are more than just "theme parks". Little Tyler, who lives in Australia, may have lost his eyesight, but http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22122503-2862,00.html", and wishes to get to meet him again. The community is collecting donations to get him and his family to Disneyland.

I wish him the best, and hopes he gets to go to the Happiest Place on Earth.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Don't you some time have a favorite movie that you have seen a few times, and could remember several lines of the dialog? I know that I've seen Star Wars (Ep. 4) enough times that I could recite some of the script in certain scenes.

Similar thing occurs at Walt Disney World as well. For many Disney fans and regular visitors, there are certain phrases and dialog that just stuck to one's head (and no, we're not talking about the It's A Small World tune). These "quotes", in fact, become popular and famous, almost as famous as the ride/attraction themselves.

Laughing Place decided to compile the Top 50 quotes from various parts of Walt Disney World. When I first read the title of the article, immediately one phrase came to mind. And guess what? That phrase is #1 on the list! :)

I think I've been guilty of muttering some of these phrases while on the attractions when they are being said, which probably annoyed some of the guests (I tried not to do it too loudly). Oh well, I'll try NOT to do that next time, but I can't promise that it won't happen "accidentally"!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

O' Canada Gets A Makeover

No, not the anthem! :)

There are many things that need upgrading all over WDW. The cheesy ride at the Mexico pavilion in Epcot recently got a major rehab by introducing the characters from Three Caballeros. Alfredo's Restaurant at the Italian pavilion is now closed for a major change. And now, the rather dated movie O' Canada at the Canadian pavilion is getting a much needed update. Disney won't say what changes has been made to the movie. We will just have to see it come Aug. 25th. That link will give you all the rumors that have leaked out regarding the new movie.

I should be able to take a quick sneak at it during the Pin Event, since this is all at Epcot.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Epcot 25th Anniversary Celebration

This is a clear proof that dedicated Disney fans can, in fact, force a change in what appeared to be a rather dumb decision. The grass root movement by a few Disney fans disgusted by Disney's decision not to do any public recognition of the upcoming Epcot's anniversary has finally caught Disney's attention. There are certainly substantial bits of info that many have received indicating that Disney will be producing some public ceremony to mark this occasion.

Yours truly have registered at the Dreamfinder website, and will be at Epcot on Oct. 1st for the celebration. So expect plenty of pictures and maybe a video or two.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Mrs. Potts Takes A Tumble

Things almost always go meticulously at Disney theme parks. So when something doesn't go quite as planned, it will make headlines and/or appear on YouTube!

This is from the Beauty and the Best show at Disney-MGM Studios. I've seen this a few times and it is certainly one of the best live shows at WDW. But obviously, something didn't go quite right during the performance for Mrs. Potts. Of course, someone WAS videotaping the show and inevitably, it ends up on YouTube.

I had to admit that the first time I saw this, I couldn't stop giggling, even after the video ended. It is just way too funny.

Zz.