The Day the Mickey Died - In memoriam: Pal Mickey

[Peter Panic Attack]

Drinking around the world it is! We actually rented DVC points from a friend and are staying in a 1BR Villa, so we won't be able to get the free dining deal anyway. DH parents are going with us. . . .

I love Norway, too! I don't have any facts of being of Norwegian descent, but I think the blond hair and blue eyes must count for something.

Well.....with in-laws on the trip.....you probably would have had to do the drinking regardless.

Just a little heads up to a fellow Norway lover....they do sell lefse at Epcot....just don't blame me if you don't like it.

I can remember when Maelstrom was *the* ride to go on in Epcot. Back in it's day, Fast Pass would have been a really good thing -- it's unforturnate that Disney is about 20 years late. I can remember riding it for the first time and waiting at least 45 min in line and being sorely disappointed when I got off. Maelstrom w/o a line is a fun little ride though.

To be honest.....our kids aren't huge fans....but sometimes they have to take one for the team.

 

[luvngoofy]

Next up: Chpt 43 - our last night at WDW.

Last night!I hope that is several chpts!

Do you do pre-trip reports? If not, no time like the present to start!

 

[TK Brown]

I cant believe this TR is almost over! Now what am I going to do?? Work? Thats just too painful...............

 

[Peter Panic Attack]

Last night!I hope that is several chpts!

Do you do pre-trip reports? If not, no time like the present to start!

Don't worry....its definitely going to take a few chapters to wrap things up.

I haven't given much thought to a pre-trip report......but I'll keep an open mind.

I cant believe this TR is almost over! Now what am I going to do?? Work? Thats just too painful...............

Well......it has been about four months. You're going to have to deal with that overflowing in-box eventually.

 

[MagicShell]

I can't believe that after all those years you passed on buying a troll. I have never ridden Maelstrom. Actually, I didn't even know it was there until a couple years ago. I need to check it out sometime.

 

[Peter Panic Attack]

I can't believe that after all those years you passed on buying a troll. I have never ridden Maelstrom. Actually, I didn't even know it was there until a couple years ago. I need to check it out sometime.

Call me weird....but I like Maelstrom.....but I probably wouldn't wait in a very big line for it.

 

[GottaGetToDisney!]

We like Maelstrom, too! I wouldn't wait in a long line for it, either. Especially after hearing the story about the person (adult person) in line who couldn't make it to the bathroom so he...um...did his #2 business right there in line. On the floor. In the line. I prefer to sail right through that line now.

It has become a family joke:
"I need to use the restroom"
"Well, let's head to Nor-vay!"

Gotta Get To Disney!

 

[GottaGetToDisney!]

Wow! I didn't mean to kill the thread with that story...sorry!!!

 

[hucifer]

Germany was Pal Mickey’s favorite pavilion. He used to love to stand in the cobblestone-paved central plaza and stare up at the big glockenspiel clock. I think he just appreciated it’s craftsmanship......or how it made him feel connected to days gone by.......or maybe he had a school-boy crush on the little mechanical maiden who came out on the hour and was wondering how he could get up there and get her phone number. With Pal Mickey, it was often times hard to tell.

With our Pal, it's hard to tell sometimes (but fairly easy to guess).

Sadly, her grandfather was a muggle.....which is why she will never be fully embraced by the Norwegian wizarding community.

That isn't right.

Frankly....it’s probably best not to butter someone else’s lefse....because it sounds naughty. ”Man, I’d like to butter her lefse”. See what I mean?

I'll have to use this line on the hot Norwegian guys next time I'm there.

However, if you were dropped when you were a baby like Tinkershell.....you sprinkle it with white sugar and fold it up like one of those paper footballs we used to flick around 7th grade social studies class when the teacher wasn’t looking.

See now I actually marvel at Tinkershell's ability to fold it that way. It's ingenius, really. Because stuff falls out of a cigar, but nothing is getting out of that football. So NOW who's the chump?

Anyway, after much searching….I was able to find my exact troll……but I thought it was too expensive….so I spent my money on a ice-cold Carlsberg beer from the cart outside instead.

If I was your wife, I'd be quite happy with your last-minute purchase decision.

Goodbye expensive gift shop trolls and surprisingly reasonable Carlsberg beer.

This part made me tear up a little.

and then said a final goodbye to Ellen at the Universe of Energy…..who still liked Tinkershell’s hair during the pre-show by the way.

Well, Tinkershell DOES sport a fantastic 'do. Who could blame Ellen, really?

 

[hucifer]

Wow! I didn't mean to kill the thread with that story...sorry!!!

It took some time to recover, but I was finally able to pull myself together after your response and reply to this thread. So, no harm done.

 

[emser]

Call me weird....but I like Maelstrom.....but I probably wouldn't wait in a very big line for it.

OK...you're weird. (You told me to call you that!) But I must be weird right along with you, because here I am, checking your TR, anxiously awating the next update. And I too enjoy Maelstrom. Especially that part where it looks like you're going to fall backwards right out the opening in the wall. (Nope, doesn't take a lot to impress me!!) Seriously, isn't anything at Disney impressive?!? Talking trash cans, plants that move...where else can you find this stuff. All the amazing things Pal Mickey may never see again...

 

[erinch]

The only reason we watch Maelstrom is the opportunity to watch the awesome movie filled with smiling Norwegians afterwards. We go to the exit and beg to be let in. But nope, you have to endure Maelstrom in order to get into the movie. It's the movie that outta be the FastPass, you know?

 

[Peter Panic Attack]

Chpt 43 - our last night at WDW

Ok....so we were really in the home stretch now....as we unloaded at the Transportation and Ticket Center and made our way to the ferry boat landing. Yup......we were heading for the barn. Our number one priority for the rest of the day was to make sure that Tinkershell got to see her Wishes. Because if she didn’t get to see her beloved Wishes......somebody was going to have some ‘splainin’ to do.....and that somebody wore the initials PPA on his red silk pajamas.

I’m not sure that we had ever taking the ferry boat from the TTC before.....because of Pal Mickey’s unreasonable fear of water......craft. The couple of times that I had suggested it in the past.....he had just kicked me in the shin.....and then take off like a shot in the direction of the MK monorail......with me hobbling along behind him. I'm not sure why it hurt so bad when Pal Mickey used to kick me in the shins......because his feet were filled with fluff....but it did. I had long suspected that he had slipped a roll of quarters in there somehow......which may explain why he drew so much attention at airport security.....and always sounded like he was wearing spurs when he walked.

When we entered MK, we were just in time for the Dreams Come True parade. People were already lined up five-deep down both sides of Main Street...so we found a place at the Main Street train station where we could watch. This was perfect for me.....because I find that the worst part about WDW parades is the eye gouging and hair pulling that takes place as people jockey for prime viewing spots. Yup.....it was perfect for me.....for Tinkershell.....not so much. I could see here glaring down at all of those people with prime curb-side parade spots...with a covetous look in her eye. I tried to tell her that we had a great spot to watch the parade.....and that coveting was a sin. She responded that we were too far away....and that if wearing a ridiculous fanny pack wasn't a sin....it ought to be. Ouch baby......very ouch.

Anyway, after the parade....as we climbed aboard the train for a scenic trip around the MK....it became crystal clear to me that I needed to get Tinkershell her Wishes tonight.....or I was going to die. Oh, I’m sure it would look like an accident.....because Tinkershell’s crafty that way. But, nonetheless, I was going down. Now...on the surface....that seemed unfair. I mean....we live in an enlightened society. Why should the man automatically take the blame for vacation missteps? Tinkershell’s the one with the magical talking itinerary for pete’s sake. Shouldn’t she share in the blame? It was a compelling argument.....but it didn’t change the fact that I no longer had Pal Mickey around to be my royal food taster when we got back home.....so if I didn’t want to end up poisoned....we needed to see Wishes.

After disembarking at the Frontierland train depot, we headed down the steps to Splash Mountain to grab a set of fastpasses. Since we had some time to burn, we headed over to Liberty Square to visit the Hall of Presidents. Hall of Presidents? That seems like an odd attraction to save for the very end.....like it’s some kind of grand finale. Well, maybe we are an extremely patriotic family.....or maybe we love to watch audio-animitronic men fidget and nod slightly....or maybe....just maybe...this attraction starts every 30 minutes....and this was the first time we had passed by it where the next show didn’t start in 29 minutes. In any event, we were going in. Is it just me.....or is this attraction missing something? I’d like to see them add a snappy musical number....like they have over at Carousel of Progress. I mean, they could still do all their patriotic stuff....but every once in awhile they could have all the presidents break into song.....and maybe the ones in the back row could link arms and do some of those synchronized kicks like the Radio City Rockettes.....not the really high kicks because that would look silly......just those waist high ones where they do that little hop in between.......oh, and maybe throw in some jazz hands.

After dropping my ideas in the Hall of Presidents suggestion box on the way out, we headed back to Splash Mountain to use our fastpasses....and then it was time to figure out what we were going to do for Wishes. We had a 6:40 pm ADR at the Kona Café in the Polynesian Resort....so the smart thing to do would be to walk back up Main Street and find a nice spot by the park entrance. Then, we could watch Wishes and slip outside MK to grab the monorail over to the Poly for our ADR. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Hmmm....perhaps a little too easy.....peasy. Maybe if I were to over-think this thing....I could come up with a new plan.....a plan that was not only more complicated......but was doomed to failure as well.

You know what.....I think I've got one. I had remembered reading on the Disboards that some people enjoy watching Wishes from the beach at the Poly. How perfect would that be? We could take the monorail over early.....watch Wishes from a beautiful beach lined with palm trees....and then we would just have a short walk to our ADR at Kona. Wow....I've had some great ideas in my day.....but this one tops them all.

Ok....at this point I can see a couple of hands going up in the audience....so it might be a good time to stop and take some questions. "Yes.....how about you maam....in the Harry Potter costume....with the really gross scar. Had we ever tried watching Wishes from the Poly beach before? No. Did I remember the exact details regarding where on the beach to watch Wishes? No, not really. Was I willing to face the consequences that would inevitably come if Tinkershell didn’t get to see her Wishes? Apparently so."

Next up: Chpt 44 - Wishes at the Poly

 

[Peter Panic Attack]

We like Maelstrom, too! I wouldn't wait in a long line for it, either. Especially after hearing the story about the person (adult person) in line who couldn't make it to the bathroom so he...um...did his #2 business right there in line. On the floor. In the line. I prefer to sail right through that line now.

It has become a family joke:
"I need to use the restroom"
"Well, let's head to Nor-vay!"

Gotta Get To Disney!

Wow! I didn't mean to kill the thread with that story...sorry!!!

Don't worry.....you didn't kill the thread. In fact, the last time we were in line for Maelstrom.....we had to shimmy past some vomit.....so there's something about that line that brings out the worst in people. Get it....the worst in people. Thank you, thank you....I'll be here all week.....try the veal.

 

[Wish_I_Was_At_WDW]

I mean, they could still do all their patriotic stuff....but every once in awhile they could have all the presidents break into song.....and maybe the ones in the back row could link arms and do some of those synchronized kicks like the Radio City Rockettes.....not the really high kicks because that would look silly......just those waist high ones where they do that little hop in between.......oh, and maybe throw in some jazz hands.

They'd have to make the HOP a fasspass!!!

 

[Peter Panic Attack]

With our Pal, it's hard to tell sometimes (but fairly easy to guess).

Pal Mickey's thoughts do tend to revolve around the ladies.

That isn't right.

Sadly, there is still a lot of prejudice out there against half-blooded Norwegians

I'll have to use this line on the hot Norwegian guys next time I'm there.

I does have a certain ring to it, doesn't it? I'm thinking about producing a line of t-shirts.

See now I actually marvel at Tinkershell's ability to fold it that way. It's ingenius, really. Because stuff falls out of a cigar, but nothing is getting out of that football. So NOW who's the chump

You always take Tinkershell's side.

If I was your wife, I'd be quite happy with your last-minute purchase decision.

Tinkershell was totally onboard......but she never had any troll-related trauma as a child. In fact....according to the members of my support group....surprisingly few people have.

This part made me tear up a little.

With all of my previous attempts at invoking emotion, it's the story about the ice-cold beer that finally gets to you.

Well, Tinkershell DOES sport a fantastic 'do. Who could blame Ellen, really

Oh man....I guarantee you just made Tinkershell's day. She loooooooves 'do compliments.

 

[Peter Panic Attack]

OK...you're weird. (You told me to call you that!) But I must be weird right along with you, because here I am, checking your TR, anxiously awating the next update. And I too enjoy Maelstrom. Especially that part where it looks like you're going to fall backwards right out the opening in the wall. (Nope, doesn't take a lot to impress me!!) Seriously, isn't anything at Disney impressive?!? Talking trash cans, plants that move...where else can you find this stuff. All the amazing things Pal Mickey may never see again...

Yeah.....but I didn't say you had to enjoy calling me weird. You're right though.....just being at WDW makes stuff better.....except Drew Carey's Sounds Dangerous.....which would stink anywhere.

The only reason we watch Maelstrom is the opportunity to watch the awesome movie filled with smiling Norwegians afterwards. We go to the exit and beg to be let in. But nope, you have to endure Maelstrom in order to get into the movie. It's the movie that outta be the FastPass, you know?

Can you believe some people want to skip it? I find that incomprehensible.

 

[hucifer]

and that somebody wore the initials PPA on his red silk pajamas.

THAT'S an image I shouldn't be having in my head right now.

I had long suspected that he had slipped a roll of quarters in there somehow......which may explain why he drew so much attention at airport security.....and always sounded like he was wearing spurs when he walked.

And all that time you wondered if you purchased Cowboy Mickey instead, especially when he didn't say, "Howdy pardner!" in that falsetto Mickey voice.

She responded that we were too far away....and that if wearing a ridiculous fanny pack wasn't a sin....it ought to be. Ouch baby......very ouch.

Yeah, lots of people told me that after my last trip report. So the next time I went to WDW, I caved to peer pressure and brought a purse. It was uncomfortable, but at least I wasn't breaking any fashion laws.

It was a compelling argument.....but it didn’t change the fact that I no longer had Pal Mickey around to be my royal food taster when we got back home.....so if I didn’t want to end up poisoned....we needed to see Wishes.

I missed Wishes on my last trip...how can I poison myself and make it look like an accident?

Well, maybe we are an extremely patriotic family.....or maybe we love to watch audio-animitronic men fidget and nod slightly

Call me easy to please, but it's one of my favorite reasons to watch this attraction.

....or maybe....just maybe...this attraction starts every 30 minutes....and this was the first time we had passed by it where the next show didn’t start in 29 minutes.

Also a good reason.

every once in awhile they could have all the presidents break into song.....and maybe the ones in the back row could link arms and do some of those synchronized kicks like the Radio City Rockettes.....not the really high kicks because that would look silly......just those waist high ones where they do that little hop in between.......oh, and maybe throw in some jazz hands.

You should sell this idea to the Imagineers.

After dropping my ideas in the Hall of Presidents suggestion box on the way out,

You gave away your brilliant idea FOR FREE????

Maybe if I were to over-think this thing....I could come up with a new plan.....a plan that was not only more complicated......but was doomed to failure as well.

THAT'S the Peter Panic Attack that we know and love so well.

Wow....I've had some great ideas in my day.....but this one tops them all.

I hear it's possible to break your arm from patting yourself on the back.

Ok....at this point I can see a couple of hands going up in the audience....so it might be a good time to stop and take some questions. "Yes.....how about you maam....in the Harry Potter costume....with the really gross scar. Had we ever tried watching Wishes from the Poly beach before? No. Did I remember the exact details regarding where on the beach to watch Wishes? No, not really. Was I willing to face the consequences that would inevitably come if Tinkershell didn’t get to see her Wishes? Apparently so."

That wasn't my question. My question was, "Can you smell the inside of your nose?"

 

[MineMail]

I just scared the cat when I burst out laughing at your proposal, LOL. Too bad the Presidents can't form a congo line through the audience.

Yet another great chapter in this trip report.

 

[Peter Panic Attack]

THAT'S an image I shouldn't be having in my head right now.

I didn't hear anybody complaining when Tim Allen wore monogrammed red silk pajamas in The Santa Clause.

And all that time you wondered if you purchased Cowboy Mickey instead, especially when he didn't say, "Howdy pardner!" in that falsetto Mickey voice.

He did play a pretty mean banjo though.....and he loved to wittle.

Yeah, lots of people told me that after my last trip report. So the next time I went to WDW, I caved to peer pressure and brought a purse. It was uncomfortable, but at least I wasn't breaking any fashion laws.

So......are you suggesting that I buy a purse? Because, honestly.....I think that would be a step in the wrong direction for me.

I missed Wishes on my last trip...how can I poison myself and make it look like an accident?

I'll ask Tinkershell......she's got a big alphabetized folder full of ideas.

You gave away your brilliant idea FOR FREE????

It's not about the money with me hucifer. If I could put a smile on the face of just one small child......that's all the payment I need. Of course......if WDW wanted to cut me a big fat check.....I'm not going to embarrass them by not accepting it.

I hear it's possible to break your arm from patting yourself on the back.

Well......I always try to stretch first....that seems to help.

That wasn't my question. My question was, "Can you smell the inside of your nose?"

Hmmmmm....must've been a different Harry Potter. Interesting question though.......because how would you ever know? Now you've gone and made me think.....and on a Friday for pete's sake.