My Trip to the 2011 D23 Expo - TR Complete!

[Leshaface]

WOW! How insane! I can't believe the assistant actually did that. Poor boy must have felt obligated and pressured to bid.

The whole idea of having your own picture like that would be awesome!

 

[PrincessInOz]

We have auctions for house sales over here and some 'dirty' tactics are used. But those in that room.......

Wish I had half the money in that room.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Of course! Doesn't everyone have a Pirates display in their Dining Room?

OMG! How could I get so far behind in Keeping Up with the latest Home Beautiful trends?











Construction starts tomorrow.....

 

[bangzoom6877]

We're definitely going to enjoy the holiday weekend. We're going to Disneyland tomorrow!

That's great!! Actually, in all my insanity and constant thinking about our future vacations, I told DH the other day that I would like to go to Disneyland in July 2015, so that we could be there on the 60th anniversary of when it first opened (July 17th)! How nutty am I?

So...now you'll think I'm even more nuts...I started looking into hotels, and realized that there is an Embassy Suites right near Disneyland, and I read that you could walk to the parks from there...we love Embassy Suites, and this one is definitely affordable, and we love their breakfast! We're staying in one in Tampa next summer. So, I am trying to understand that concept that DL is so much smaller than WDW, and you could get everywhere on foot. I want to stay in CA for a minimum of 10 days though, so we could do more things like Universal Studios Hollywood, and stay in San Diego for 3 or 4 days. 2 weeks would be ideal though! I would also love to make it to San Francisco but I have no concept of distances in CA, except I know that San Francisco is not close to LA.

OK, enough of me hijacking your thread! Regarding vinylmation, I don't get the whole thing either...they don't really appeal to me.

 

[Leshaface]

That's great!! Actually, in all my insanity and constant thinking about our future vacations, I told DH the other day that I would like to go to Disneyland in July 2015, so that we could be there on the 60th anniversary of when it first opened (July 17th)! How nutty am I?

So...now you'll think I'm even more nuts...I started looking into hotels, and realized that there is an Embassy Suites right near Disneyland, and I read that you could walk to the parks from there...we love Embassy Suites, and this one is definitely affordable, and we love their breakfast! We're staying in one in Tampa next summer. So, I am trying to understand that concept that DL is so much smaller than WDW, and you could get everywhere on foot. I want to stay in CA for a minimum of 10 days though, so we could do more things like Universal Studios Hollywood, and stay in San Diego for 3 or 4 days. 2 weeks would be ideal though! I would also love to make it to San Francisco but I have no concept of distances in CA, except I know that San Francisco is not close to LA.

OK, enough of me hijacking your thread! Regarding vinylmation, I don't get the whole thing either...they don't really appeal to me.

Omgoodness Bonnie! Yes! I see a DIS meet in July 2015! There are great hotels all around Disneyland that you can get to Disneyland/Disney's California Adventure by foot. The Grand Californian is VERY ideal though I so hope you think about making it out here soon! Your boys will definitely be old enough by that time.

San Francisco is like 8 hours away from LA...so that would be a trip all in it's own. However, if you can do 2 weeks in CA, you could probably make it to SF.

 

[franandaj]

I don't get the appeal of the vinylmation either......I think they're ugly!! I hate getting in line at a register that does the trading....I had one item, cash in hand & the family in front of me traded one in, opened it, trade it, opened it, etc for 10 mins while I waited.....it's like going to the express line at the checkout with someone with a full cart!!

Holy cow...that painting & the assistant egging those bidders. Must be nice to have $20000 just laying around to spend willy-nilly. I will never be one of those people (heavy sigh). I think it's great the artist was willing to do a 2nd painting but wowsers!!!!

$1000 deductible on the car....ouch!!! Hopefully this won't cost that much!!

I would be so furious if I had to wait for someone like that! Evidently that's the assistant's job. Like I said, I couldn't hear what she was saying to the bidders on the other side of the room, but probably very similar things.

The car will be well over the deductible. We got a verbal on Friday and we need a whole new rear quarter panel.

WOW! How insane! I can't believe the assistant actually did that. Poor boy must have felt obligated and pressured to bid.

The whole idea of having your own picture like that would be awesome!

From what I heard about that family from last year's auction (I didn't go), evidently it probably didn't phase him. I mean all four of them had Sorcerer's passes, that was $4,000 to walk in the door.

We have auctions for house sales over here and some 'dirty' tactics are used. But those in that room.......

Wish I had half the money in that room.

Tell me about it! Just wait until I get to the last few auctions.

OMG! How could I get so far behind in Keeping Up with the latest Home Beautiful trends?











Construction starts tomorrow.....

Ha! I doubt we are "leading" any trends in decorating!

That's great!! Actually, in all my insanity and constant thinking about our future vacations, I told DH the other day that I would like to go to Disneyland in July 2015, so that we could be there on the 60th anniversary of when it first opened (July 17th)! How nutty am I?

So...now you'll think I'm even more nuts...I started looking into hotels, and realized that there is an Embassy Suites right near Disneyland, and I read that you could walk to the parks from there...we love Embassy Suites, and this one is definitely affordable, and we love their breakfast! We're staying in one in Tampa next summer. So, I am trying to understand that concept that DL is so much smaller than WDW, and you could get everywhere on foot. I want to stay in CA for a minimum of 10 days though, so we could do more things like Universal Studios Hollywood, and stay in San Diego for 3 or 4 days. 2 weeks would be ideal though! I would also love to make it to San Francisco but I have no concept of distances in CA, except I know that San Francisco is not close to LA.

OK, enough of me hijacking your thread! Regarding vinylmation, I don't get the whole thing either...they don't really appeal to me.

I was there for the 50th and the place was SOLD OUT. I wouldn't imagine any less for the 60th. Thinking about DLR, imagine the BCV, BWV, Swan and Dolphin. Then imagine that the entrance to Epcot is immediately outside BCV. That's DCA. The distance that you walk from BWV to the entrance of Epcot is about what you walk from the DLH to both park entrances. Staying at HOJO's you're even closer to the entrance of DL than if you're at the DLH. I don't know where the Embassy Suites are, but they can't be much farther than if you are staying at the Swan or Dolphin and walking to Epcot, or maybe walking to DHS from BWV.

If you had a car, you could do some time in SF, especially if you spent two weeks in CA. SF is about 400-425 miles from Anaheim. If you're interested in how it can be done, check out PIO's TR from January of this year, she and her family flew into LAX spent two nights in Anaheim and drove up the coast to the SF area.

San Francisco is like 8 hours away from LA...so that would be a trip all in it's own. However, if you can do 2 weeks in CA, you could probably make it to SF.

You guys must drive pretty slow!

 

[Leshaface]

From what I heard about that family from last year's auction (I didn't go), evidently it probably didn't phase him. I mean all four of them had Sorcerer's passes, that was $4,000 to walk in the door.


You guys must drive pretty slow!

Holy moly, $4000?! Wow, that's insane.


I forgot to add with traffic. One time from LB, DH and I drove to SF and it took us 10 hours! It was horrible. First the 5 going out of the city was bad, then the traffic from Hayward trying to get into SF was even worse. Kinda glad we live at the half way point now.

 

[bangzoom6877]

Omgoodness Bonnie! Yes! I see a DIS meet in July 2015! There are great hotels all around Disneyland that you can get to Disneyland/Disney's California Adventure by foot. The Grand Californian is VERY ideal though I so hope you think about making it out here soon! Your boys will definitely be old enough by that time.

San Francisco is like 8 hours away from LA...so that would be a trip all in it's own. However, if you can do 2 weeks in CA, you could probably make it to SF.

Oh, yes, I would definitely do a DIS meet with you guys! I know it's far away (more than 3 and a half years!), but our first family trip to WDW was in July 2008 and that was 3 years and 2 months ago...yet it feels like it was yesterday! My boys will be 8 and 10 in 2015. I told DH about it...I said that in 2013, we should go on a cruise for my parents' 40th wedding anniversary, and to DL in 2015 for the 60th! He seemed receptive, with that "you're crazy, thinking this far in advance...I don't even know what I want for breakfast today" kind of look!

8 hours to SF...yes, if spending 2 weeks in CA then it can be done. Is San Diego south of Anaheim? Would definitely be doing that, I know it's not too far away. Probably 3 days in San Diego, and maybe 4 or 5 days in Anaheim (maybe with a 3-day park hopper for the 2 theme parks), then to SF for a few days. We'll see! Either I will have to force myself to finally get on a plane again, or we would maybe make the trek across-country. I do have cousins in both Arizona (Scottsdale) and the Seattle, WA area...it would be great to head out west through the north and come back east through the south, and see all those places...hey, I girl can dream right?! But, I did mention this to DH and he said that depending on his position at work (he is almost finished with his internship to become a licensed school administrator!), he might be able to go on a very long trip like that. And with the boys being 8 and 10 that year, it probably could be done. It will just cost a lot, and we would have to find a way to make it work!

I was there for the 50th and the place was SOLD OUT. I wouldn't imagine any less for the 60th. Thinking about DLR, imagine the BCV, BWV, Swan and Dolphin. Then imagine that the entrance to Epcot is immediately outside BCV. That's DCA. The distance that you walk from BWV to the entrance of Epcot is about what you walk from the DLH to both park entrances. Staying at HOJO's you're even closer to the entrance of DL than if you're at the DLH. I don't know where the Embassy Suites are, but they can't be much farther than if you are staying at the Swan or Dolphin and walking to Epcot, or maybe walking to DHS from BWV.

If you had a car, you could do some time in SF, especially if you spent two weeks in CA. SF is about 400-425 miles from Anaheim. If you're interested in how it can be done, check out PIO's TR from January of this year, she and her family flew into LAX spent two nights in Anaheim and drove up the coast to the SF area.

For the 50th, was it sold out for the entire week-long period around the 50th, or was it mainly just that day? How bad was it? It does seem that since the parks are smaller, they could each be easily done in one day...plus it is not nearly as humid in CA as it is in Florida in the summer. How hot does it get though?

From your description, it sounds so nice that everything is in such close proximity! We walked to DHS from BWV last summer, both times we went there, and we enjoyed it. It took us 15 minutes to walk to the DHS entrance.

Is HOJO over by DLR nice? I tend to stay away from them because I am a hotel snob and a lot of times I see bad reviews for them. We usually go to the Marriott or Hilton brand hotels (hence the Embassy Suites, run by Hilton), and we prefer to stay in places that include breakfast.

It does sound like if we decided to fly there, we wouldn not need to rent a car for the days we go to DL if we stay at one of the neighboring hotels...we could just walk to the parks and DTD. That is very appealing...and one of the main reasons we bought our DVC membership at BWV...love being right near the parks!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Is HOJO over by DLR nice? I tend to stay away from them because I am a hotel snob and a lot of times I see bad reviews for them. We usually go to the Marriott or Hilton brand hotels (hence the Embassy Suites, run by Hilton), and we prefer to stay in places that include breakfast.

It does sound like if we decided to fly there, we wouldn not need to rent a car for the days we go to DL if we stay at one of the neighboring hotels...we could just walk to the parks and DTD. That is very appealing...and one of the main reasons we bought our DVC membership at BWV...love being right near the parks!

I haven't stayed in the HoJo but some of the other Aussies have and they seem to like it....

If it were me, I'd look at the Residence Inn Maingate and work out whether you don't mind the slightly longer walk from there. It is a good neighbour hotel and breakfast is included.....cook your own hot waffles.

 

[lowe@massed.net]

Is HOJO over by DLR nice? I tend to stay away from them because I am a hotel snob and a lot of times I see bad reviews for them. We usually go to the Marriott or Hilton brand hotels (hence the Embassy Suites, run by Hilton), and we prefer to stay in places that include breakfast.

It does sound like if we decided to fly there, we wouldn not need to rent a car for the days we go to DL if we stay at one of the neighboring hotels...we could just walk to the parks and DTD. That is very appealing...and one of the main reasons we bought our DVC membership at BWV...love being right near the parks!

DH and I stayed at the HOJO for our first trip to DL in 2007. We loved it! The rooms are large and very clean and the walk to DLR isn't bad at all. I'd highly recommend it. At the time, we got a really good Entertainment Book rate that I learned about on Mousesavers.com. You can read more about our stay there in my blog by clicking on "12/2007 1st trip to DLR" link in my sig.

 

[Leshaface]

Oh, yes, I would definitely do a DIS meet with you guys! I know it's far away (more than 3 and a half years!), but our first family trip to WDW was in July 2008 and that was 3 years and 2 months ago...yet it feels like it was yesterday! My boys will be 8 and 10 in 2015. I told DH about it...I said that in 2013, we should go on a cruise for my parents' 40th wedding anniversary, and to DL in 2015 for the 60th! He seemed receptive, with that "you're crazy, thinking this far in advance...I don't even know what I want for breakfast today" kind of look!

8 hours to SF...yes, if spending 2 weeks in CA then it can be done. Is San Diego south of Anaheim? Would definitely be doing that, I know it's not too far away. Probably 3 days in San Diego, and maybe 4 or 5 days in Anaheim (maybe with a 3-day park hopper for the 2 theme parks), then to SF for a few days. We'll see! Either I will have to force myself to finally get on a plane again, or we would maybe make the trek across-country. I do have cousins in both Arizona (Scottsdale) and the Seattle, WA area...it would be great to head out west through the north and come back east through the south, and see all those places...hey, I girl can dream right?! But, I did mention this to DH and he said that depending on his position at work (he is almost finished with his internship to become a licensed school administrator!), he might be able to go on a very long trip like that. And with the boys being 8 and 10 that year, it probably could be done. It will just cost a lot, and we would have to find a way to make it work!



From your description, it sounds so nice that everything is in such close proximity! We walked to DHS from BWV last summer, both times we went there, and we enjoyed it. It took us 15 minutes to walk to the DHS entrance.

Is HOJO over by DLR nice? I tend to stay away from them because I am a hotel snob and a lot of times I see bad reviews for them. We usually go to the Marriott or Hilton brand hotels (hence the Embassy Suites, run by Hilton), and we prefer to stay in places that include breakfast.

It only takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours (depending on traffic of course) to get to San Diego from Anaheim, so not far at all. I think you all would have an AMAZING time out here, traveling the West Coast. It's gorgeous pretty much all year around (obviously Summer is very ideal). When the time gets closer all of us over here will definitely help you plan!

I've heard GREAT things about Hojo in Anaheim. I'm not sure if she still does it anymore, but I believe the manager (or one of the managers) has a DIS profile and would post on the Disneyland Boards pretty often, listening to customers experiences with Hojo's (haven't been on the Disneyland Boards in a very long time, so not sure if she still does this), but from what i've read, they are one of the best, when it comes to listening and taking action to a customers wants/needs. At a great price point too!

 

[franandaj]

Holy moly, $4000?! Wow, that's insane.


I forgot to add with traffic. One time from LB, DH and I drove to SF and it took us 10 hours! It was horrible. First the 5 going out of the city was bad, then the traffic from Hayward trying to get into SF was even worse. Kinda glad we live at the half way point now.

We had one of those trips once. Usually around Christmas, Thanksgiving or other holiday weekends. We now try to only travel at times when others don't. That's also another reason we like to stop and visit our friend in your hometown.

Oh, yes, I would definitely do a DIS meet with you guys! I know it's far away (more than 3 and a half years!), but our first family trip to WDW was in July 2008 and that was 3 years and 2 months ago...yet it feels like it was yesterday! My boys will be 8 and 10 in 2015. I told DH about it...I said that in 2013, we should go on a cruise for my parents' 40th wedding anniversary, and to DL in 2015 for the 60th! He seemed receptive, with that "you're crazy, thinking this far in advance...I don't even know what I want for breakfast today" kind of look!

OK 2015 DISmeet! I don't think that's too soon to plan. There is a group of us (some on this thread) who are already planning a 2013 Game Forum meet. We have some solid plans already laid down, potluck supper, Wishes Cruise, Dinner at Raglan Road!

8 hours to SF...yes, if spending 2 weeks in CA then it can be done. Is San Diego south of Anaheim? Would definitely be doing that, I know it's not too far away. Probably 3 days in San Diego, and maybe 4 or 5 days in Anaheim (maybe with a 3-day park hopper for the 2 theme parks), then to SF for a few days. We'll see! Either I will have to force myself to finally get on a plane again, or we would maybe make the trek across-country. I do have cousins in both Arizona (Scottsdale) and the Seattle, WA area...it would be great to head out west through the north and come back east through the south, and see all those places...hey, I girl can dream right?! But, I did mention this to DH and he said that depending on his position at work (he is almost finished with his internship to become a licensed school administrator!), he might be able to go on a very long trip like that. And with the boys being 8 and 10 that year, it probably could be done. It will just cost a lot, and we would have to find a way to make it work!

That would be totally do able driving if you had about a month. That way you wouldn't have to rush and do 8-10 hour driving days every day. You could easily make it to Seattle and then go leisurely down the coast spending a few days in SF. Maybe some time in LA and then on to Anaheim for a few days, and San Diego before heading back through Arizona.

For the 50th, was it sold out for the entire week-long period around the 50th, or was it mainly just that day? How bad was it? It does seem that since the parks are smaller, they could each be easily done in one day...plus it is not nearly as humid in CA as it is in Florida in the summer. How hot does it get though?

I only went on the day of the 50th, but I bet it was not that bad for the other days in the week. Some people say you can do each park in a day, others say give it an additional day to do what you missed. I would say 4-5 days so you can take your time. Enjoy some of the restaurants and not feel bad about waiting in some of the lines if they are longer.

I haven't stayed in the HoJo but some of the other Aussies have and they seem to like it....

If it were me, I'd look at the Residence Inn Maingate and work out whether you don't mind the slightly longer walk from there. It is a good neighbour hotel and breakfast is included.....cook your own hot waffles.

I was out there yesterday and the Embassy Suites is in the same Parking lot at the Residence Inn Maingate. For me it's a long walk, but we always stay on property (no point in staying if we don't). You might consider saving up some of your BWV points and just doing the nights when you are going to the parks at the VGC then stay elsewhere in LA for other sightseeting and same for San Diego.

DH and I stayed at the HOJO for our first trip to DL in 2007. We loved it! The rooms are large and very clean and the walk to DLR isn't bad at all. I'd highly recommend it. At the time, we got a really good Entertainment Book rate that I learned about on Mousesavers.com. You can read more about our stay there in my blog by clicking on "12/2007 1st trip to DLR" link in my sig.

I'm glad to hear that you can get good Entertainment Rates there. I know a lot of people who stay at the HOJO do so because they are mostly in the parks and don't need a fancy hotel room. However, I've only heard good things about it as well.

It only takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours (depending on traffic of course) to get to San Diego from Anaheim, so not far at all. I think you all would have an AMAZING time out here, traveling the West Coast. It's gorgeous pretty much all year around (obviously Summer is very ideal). When the time gets closer all of us over here will definitely help you plan!

I've heard GREAT things about Hojo in Anaheim. I'm not sure if she still does it anymore, but I believe the manager (or one of the managers) has a DIS profile and would post on the Disneyland Boards pretty often, listening to customers experiences with Hojo's (haven't been on the Disneyland Boards in a very long time, so not sure if she still does this), but from what i've read, they are one of the best, when it comes to listening and taking action to a customers wants/needs. At a great price point too!

I've had 3 hour driving experiences to San Diego from Long Beach, especially on Friday afternoons. However we will all help you out, so that you have a very smooth trip and a GREAT time!

 

[franandaj]

So Lot #25 was a Custom Cruiser by Chip Foose who evidently had some kind of a reality type show on TLC. The bike was designed with a Cars Logo and a D23 Logo. The estimated value was $3,000-5,000. It kept reaching plateaus, but Chip Foose was in the audience and he came up on stage partway through the bidding.

First off he threw in a copy of the picture that they used as the model for the bike. This brought the bids up a couple hundred dollars.

Then he said, “Hey, I’ll buy lunch! That seems to bring the price up!” It was hilarious because it did jump another $300-400 for a final price of $7,500.

Lot #26 was the thing that we really wanted. DCA Carsland Experience. First off, you got to go up to the top of ToT and get a birds eye view of Carsland. Then you would get to participate in the Cars Land opening day activities in Summer 2012. Also included would be dinner at the Carthay Circle Club. The estimated value on this one was $2,000, we would have paid $5,000 maybe $6,000. However this one shot all the way up to $14,000! I was very bummed.

Lot #27 was a replica of the Barker Bird that was originally positioned at the entrance to the WDW Pirates of the Caribbean. It’s estimated value was $4,500-6,000 it sold for $5,000.

Lot #28 Electronic Sorcerer Mickey by Noah – Estimated Value $5,000-8,000. Noah fused together Tron Legacy with the classic animation from Walt Disney’s Fantasia and additional nods to 101 Dalmations, dumbo, Alice in Wonderland and Beauty and the Beast. This one sold for $6,500

Lot #29 Alice in Wonderland by Dave Avanzino – Estimated Value $3,000-4,000. This unique dimensional painting used 17 individual wood boxes hand-painted each with a different Character element from the film. It sold for $4,250.

Lot #30 Walt Disney Animation Studios Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Prep and Landing Naughty Vs. Nice – Estimated Value $4,000. This tour included a one-of-a-kind advance screening in the Disney Animation Theater of Prep & Landing Naughty Vs. Nice, with producer Dorothy McKim and directors Kevin Deters and Stevie Weimers. The screening was followed by a tour of the studio to learn more about the process of animation. This tour sold for $3,500.

Lot #31 Alice in Wonderland Figure – Estimated Value $1,000-2,000. This figure evidently came from the World Port Store in Point, Orlando. It sold for $1,500.

Lot #32 Destiny’s Dance – Estimated Value $2,000-3,000. This is a limited edition hand-painted cel from Beauty and the Beast. It sold for $3,100.

Lot #33 2011 Candlelight viewing – Estimated Value $3,000. This next package was a Candlelight Package for both Disneyland and Epcot’s versions of Candlelight. Included was one night of accommodations and a dining experience was included with each celebration. Airfare is at the bidder’s expense. This really didn’t seem like a “deal” at all since we’re already going to DLR Candlelight and why would I want to use all that money to fly to WDW for one night of accommodations? It did end up going for $1,750, so evidently others felt that way too.

Lot #34 Peter Pan Flight Attraction Vehicle – Estimated Value $10,000-15,000. OK so here’s where some things started to go wonky! The first thing that I thought was odd, is that this was the vehicle that was downstairs.

But this was the vehicle they showed on the screen.

Now, I’m not sure if it was the estimated value, and that it started at 5 digits and people took that to heart or what, but I’m pretty sure this one did start at $10,000. However almost instantaneously it was up to $20,000! Across the room from us was this gentleman (older, perhaps early sixties) who by this point was standing in the aisles with his paddle and I think once it had reached $20,000 he was also jumping up and down.

I didn’t know who he was bidding against, but the bids were going up by $1,000 and reached about $25,000 when the auctioneer jumped right to $30,000. The room sort of went silent….then the jumping bidder brought it back to $26,000. The other bidder immediately countered with $27,000, and the jumper was back to $28,000. At this point the other bidder seemed to be having second thoughts, but was somehow encouraged by the gal (mentioned earlier) to raise his bid to $29,000, quite reluctantly. However the jumping man went right on to $30,000. The other bidder seriously considered, and we probably all spent about a minute poised on the edge of our chairs, wondering if this was it, but in the end the jumping man got the Peter Pan Ride Vehicle for a mere $30,000. He was ecstatic and jumped up and down like a little boy!

[Continued in Next Post]

 

[franandaj]

So after all that excitements, things calmed down briefly as we moved on to Lot #35 Ariel – Longing to Dance by Larry Nikolai – Estimated Value $5,000-6,000. This original piece created by Principal Concept and Show Designer at WDI shows Ariel dreaming of what it would be like to have legs. Not only did the high bidder win the artpiece, but also a special ride on The Little Mermaid with Larry Nikolai. It sold for $5,000.

Also relatively unevently was Lot #36 Private Tour of el Capitan theatre and special Engagement Screening – Estimated Value $1,500 This tour included a complimentary lunch at Disney’s Soda Fountain next to the El Capitan Theater and then a special screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas in 3D. This sold for $900.

Lot #37 Cheshire Cat by David Garibaldi You saw the paintings of this one. The interesting thing I noted, was that he touched this one up between the pre show and the auction. The hands were not completed at the beginning of the auction, but now they were all filled in. This sold for $3,100.

Lot #38 Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg by Illustrator David Christiana – Estimated Value $1,500-3,000 I didn’t get these at all, but I guess they must be children’s books. They sold for $1,000

Lot #39 Walt Disney World Resort Haunted Mansion Attraction Ghosts – Estimated Value $4,999-7,999. This was the sleeper of the auction. I remember we were thinking that we would enjoy having these ghosts, but had no idea where we would put them!

I don’t remember where the bidding started. I know that by the end the Auctioneer was starting everything at $25,000 (especially after the Peter Pan car went for so much), but I’m pretty sure that this dropped down to below $10,000 before anyone started to speak up. That didn’t last long because soon it was all the back up to $20,000 and I noticed that jumping man was back in on the bidding for this one.

The price kept rising and rising and soon bidding had reached $30,000! And jumping man was the one bidding $30K Yikes! I whispered to Fran, “This guy is now 60 grand into lots at this auction! Where do people find this kind of cash?”

However, he was quickly outbid, and it seems that $30K was his limit that he was allowed to bid to because next thing you know as they are trying to close $32,000 he says, “Wait! I’m on the phone getting approval!” He thrust his fist in the air with a Triumphal “yes!” as he raised the bid to $32K. This went on back and forth for several more bidding interchanges and now it is all really fuzzy. However the bottom line was at $38,000 jumping man gracefully conceded the bid to the other bidder. He did so with a bow and flourish of the hand as if passing the item graciously to the winning bidder.

$38,000?? Think of what people like us could do with that kind of money!

After this the auctioneer invited dancing man up on the stage. I never got a very good picture of him, but here he is leaving the stage after he did a little dance for the cheering audience.

The last auction of the night seemed somewhat anti climactic after that one. Lot #40 Star Tours Experience with Walt Disney Imagineer Project Manager and producer Steve Roach – Estimated Value $2,000. This experience was for the bidder and five guests. You got a backstage tour of the technology used to make the flight simulator and the 3-D technology. After the ride you got to have lunch with Steve Roach. Now I know that in an event to pick up the bidding and make it more exciting he went up on stage and tried to offer something else, but my mind escapes me now. Lunch was already included, so I’m not sure what more he could have added. This ended selling for $6,800

The auction started late and it went way over, so we headed back to the room. We were past hungry and just tired, we contemplated some of the goodies we had in our cooler. We contemplated room service. In the end, I did a little work on the TR and went to bed, because yet again we had a 6:30AM wake up call and it was nearly midnight!

Coming up the final day of the Expo!

 

[bangzoom6877]

We had one of those trips once. Usually around Christmas, Thanksgiving or other holiday weekends. We now try to only travel at times when others don't. That's also another reason we like to stop and visit our friend in your hometown.



OK 2015 DISmeet! I don't think that's too soon to plan. There is a group of us (some on this thread) who are already planning a 2013 Game Forum meet. We have some solid plans already laid down, potluck supper, Wishes Cruise, Dinner at Raglan Road!



That would be totally do able driving if you had about a month. That way you wouldn't have to rush and do 8-10 hour driving days every day. You could easily make it to Seattle and then go leisurely down the coast spending a few days in SF. Maybe some time in LA and then on to Anaheim for a few days, and San Diego before heading back through Arizona.



I only went on the day of the 50th, but I bet it was not that bad for the other days in the week. Some people say you can do each park in a day, others say give it an additional day to do what you missed. I would say 4-5 days so you can take your time. Enjoy some of the restaurants and not feel bad about waiting in some of the lines if they are longer.



I was out there yesterday and the Embassy Suites is in the same Parking lot at the Residence Inn Maingate. For me it's a long walk, but we always stay on property (no point in staying if we don't). You might consider saving up some of your BWV points and just doing the nights when you are going to the parks at the VGC then stay elsewhere in LA for other sightseeting and same for San Diego.



I'm glad to hear that you can get good Entertainment Rates there. I know a lot of people who stay at the HOJO do so because they are mostly in the parks and don't need a fancy hotel room. However, I've only heard good things about it as well.



I've had 3 hour driving experiences to San Diego from Long Beach, especially on Friday afternoons. However we will all help you out, so that you have a very smooth trip and a GREAT time!

OK, it's not too soon to plan a 2015 trip...this is one of the reasons I love it here so much! All of you understand my lunacy in trip planning!

I would love to make that drive to Seattle and down the coast, and be away for a month. I have the time, since I never work summer school. DH is in the process of trying to become a school administrator, so it depends on his work duties at that point, and whether he needs to be around more in the summer.

I would love to also be able to use BWV points for this type of trip, but the problem is that we have just enough to go for 10 nights every other year in a 1BR at BWV. I know that we could replace a WDW trip with a DLR trip one time, but I don't think I want to go 4 whole years without my beloved Epcot! The other thing that concerns me is the availability at VGC 7 months out, since it is not our home resort. We like the Embassy Suites, gives us lots of room and it includes breakfast too, which is a plus. I guess we could also look into getting a points transfer from a VGC member, and book it 11 months out. But that would depend on the going rate for renting points at that time.

Anyway, it has always been a dream of mine to see CA, and I would really love to be there for DL's 60th!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Nuf said.........

Wowsers!!!!! The auction really would have been something to see....just knowing you were rubbing elbows with that much money being thrown around......lol We wouldn't have bid on anything, but it would have been very exciting to watch it all happen!!!

 

[DisneyFirefly]

I think that is the same boat from Peter Pan, just backwards In the picture on the floor, you're looking at it head on. In the picture from the auction, the photo was taken from the back at an angle, so... I think it's the same

But still, holy cow that's a lot of money!

 

[Hawleys]

Great update!

Those auction prices are insane. Add me to the list of people who could put that amount of disposable income to good use.

 

[franandaj]

OK, it's not too soon to plan a 2015 trip...this is one of the reasons I love it here so much! All of you understand my lunacy in trip planning!

I would love to make that drive to Seattle and down the coast, and be away for a month. I have the time, since I never work summer school. DH is in the process of trying to become a school administrator, so it depends on his work duties at that point, and whether he needs to be around more in the summer.

I would love to also be able to use BWV points for this type of trip, but the problem is that we have just enough to go for 10 nights every other year in a 1BR at BWV. I know that we could replace a WDW trip with a DLR trip one time, but I don't think I want to go 4 whole years without my beloved Epcot! The other thing that concerns me is the availability at VGC 7 months out, since it is not our home resort. We like the Embassy Suites, gives us lots of room and it includes breakfast too, which is a plus. I guess we could also look into getting a points transfer from a VGC member, and book it 11 months out. But that would depend on the going rate for renting points at that time.

Anyway, it has always been a dream of mine to see CA, and I would really love to be there for DL's 60th!

I haven't looked into the whole point calculation, but you wouldn't have to give up THAT much of your BWV points to work in the VGC on points. I know you have your 2012 reservations set, but for your 2014 trip, you could do 8-9 days instead of the full 10, you could bank those points for 2015. Then for 2015 you could use the banked points and borrow 1-2 nights from 2016. That way you haven't compromised your WDW BWV vacations, but still get the idea of staying on property. If there wasn't the carat that F&W may come back to CA I'd transfer points to you. I guess we'll know by then!

Nuf said.........

Wowsers!!!!! The auction really would have been something to see....just knowing you were rubbing elbows with that much money being thrown around......lol We wouldn't have bid on anything, but it would have been very exciting to watch it all happen!!!

We pretty much felt like flies on the wall. We didn't bid, but were dumbfounded by those who were!

I think that is the same boat from Peter Pan, just backwards In the picture on the floor, you're looking at it head on. In the picture from the auction, the photo was taken from the back at an angle, so... I think it's the same

But still, holy cow that's a lot of money!

Hmmmmm, OK, I was wondering how they had such a different piece on the show floor from what was in the brochure.

Great update!

Those auction prices are insane. Add me to the list of people who could put that amount of disposable income to good use.

Tell me about it! Since I think I have enough DVC points for the time being! I think we could use that money for a new SUV/Mini Van whatever, and then some!

Tomorrow we take it in for the real estimate. We'll also be off for another overnight road trip, but this time we're going during the day and we hope not to make things so eventful as last time!

 

[PrincessInOz]

More dollars than sense!