Canadian Buffoon's Solo Disney Vacation - Update 07/08! pp99 - Here today gone tomorrow

[mmeb144]

Bazinga! We can each bring one hanger-on. They just have to learn the password and secret handshake.

If we get this thing off the ground, we should be able to bring how ever many whoevers we want.

 

[laura74]

This was from back in '09.

Aw. Look how young they are…

Sleep? Who needs sleep?


I'll sleep when I get home...


after I do my chores...

and go to work...

and catch up on missed shows....

Sleep? Who needs szzzzzzzzzzz.............

And write million-word trip reports…I mean trip reports filled with rich detail.

I had an early dinner ADR here

(Oh, right... you want to know about that contest and bonus points. Soon. Soon.)

I had an early dinner ADR here, but I had some time to kill beforehand.

I should have guessed you would want to go to a restaurant with antics. Darn!

was to see how the removal of the hat was coming along.

I knew it would be too much to hope for that it would be completely gone, but...

It’s kind of cool to see the progress though.

Some of you like the hat? And are sad to see its departure?

I must admit the hat does make it a little easier to navigate the park and it’s a great place to meet. “Meet you at the hat at noon.”

I did however really want to go see Lights, Motors, Action!

since I'd never seen it before.

Never saw this and I guess it’s too late now, right?

I don't know if I'll wind up seeing this or not, but I am curious to see how they'll do it

since in the trailer, well... if you haven't seen the trailer, I won't spoil it for you.

My daughter and I really enjoyed the movie. Yeah, it’s Cinderella again, but Cate Blanchett is awesome as the stepmother. And the costumes were really fun to look at.

So, wait.

Doesn't that mean that if Cinderella drives her carriage west at just over 1,000mph

she'd never have to worry about the clock striking midnight and it changing back into a pumpkin?

So shouldn't she ask her fairy godmother for a rocket propelled carriage?

Wouldn't a rocket engine be simpler than changing a mouse into a horse,

for instance?

Are we to answer story problems for points now?

I probably took about 50 pictures, but most of them look like this:

So they must all be fabulous like these. You’re an awesome photographer!

Sorry. It's the lament of the entitled tourist*

I’ve been guilty of that lament.

Only question of course is what does that weird looking guy

hanging on the street post have to do with movies?

Maybe it's "The Great Movie Ride! Starring Mannequins You Don't Know!"

That seems to be the most likely scenario, anyway.

Don't get me started on the mannequins…

I really don't know if she thought she was doing a 'tough guy' act

or if that was the way she talked.

Irrelevant really, because no one could understand a single word she slurred.


She wasn't very loud, so just hearing her was difficult.

And what you could hear, when she turned to face you was so garbled

that I suspected she had a speech impediment.


Or as she would say, "A shpich impenorgle."

Ha ha ha! We had one that sounded like Charo once. I don’t understand why speaking clearly is not a requirement for working on this ride.

Is it bad that when she was "killed" at the Indiana Jones scene I cheered?

Really! It's because she was a "bad guy"!

Not because she was a "bad actor"! Honest!

But it’s so much better for the trip report.

After the death of the moll and the rebirth of enunciation our tour continued.


And then... epiphany!


There it is again! That darned face!

The one I had such trouble placing!

It's the same one!


And this time... this time... I got it!


It's Bruce Jenner!

Hilarious!

Laura74 2 points for asking for points plus 2 points for some awesome sucking up.

Laura74 -1 points for making it a little bit too much about the sucking up.

What??? I meant every word! You’re my disboard hero, Ponzi!

I got to Prime Time at three o'clock.

And I was stoked!

Don’t you mean soaked?

This is Disney royalty people!

And so are you!!!

I got to Prime Time and immediately started to panic.

It's three o'clock! I told them it's for three fifteen, right?

What if they're here already?

What if they're already seated and waiting for me?

Will I recognize them? (I'd only seen 2.6 million pictures of them.

)


I checked in with the hostess and told her who I was.


Because I'm incredibly stupid,

I didn't ask her if the rest of the party was here yet.


At least, since they didn't take me to a table,

I figured out that they weren't there yet.

And I was right.


So now I started to panic that they weren't coming.

Oh, not right away.

Not at three o'clock.

Plenty of time.

I strategically positioned myself between the two available entrances.


By three oh one, panic had reasserted itself

and I was starting to swivel my head back and forth

between the two entrances and the bar.

Are they coming in over there?

How about there?

Are they at the bar? Did I miss them?

<swivel><swivel><swivel>


Some streetmosphere people came in to liven things up.

I hardly noticed.

Oh, I'm sure they were awesome... they always are...

<swivel><swivel><swivel>

And I think they were supposed to be the family

that owned the home we were dining in...

<swivel><swivel><swivel>

But I was just a little...

<swivel><swivel><swivel>

preoccupied.

<swivel><swivel>


At ten after three, I was panicked... and depressed.

They weren't coming.

<swivel>

They had taken one look at the rain pouring down and decided not to go.

<swivel><swivel>

Who could blame them?

<swivel>

I mean, why would you willingly go out in a tropical downp....

<swi... head snaps around and locks>

This is me to a T. Maybe we’re related.

I spotted Dawn first, then the rest of the family.

I was so happy to see them.

Happy...

What a woefully inadequate word to describe how I was feeling.

Are they giving out points or something?

We ordered our food,

and it wasn't long before I started to get the vibe from the place.

The waiter... excuse, me...

Our cousin walked up and caught me with my elbows on the table.

He got the entire restaurant to chant "Shame, shame, shame!"

Whoops! Won't make that mistake again!

I used to hear, “Mabel, Mabel, strong and able. Get your elbows off the table.”

I had to... had to order the Peanut Butter and Jelly Milk Shake to drink

and Aunt Liz's Golden Fried Chicken.

Where are the onion rings???

That does not mean that he would want to hang around with me!

Who wouldn’t want to hang out with you????

But they came out... in the rain! To meet with me!

Who wouldn’t?? I would, and I would be risking a terrible case of frizzy hair.

"You like Haunted Mansion, right?"

I nodded.

Dale, on his magic band, had... I think they're called magic bits? Band-its?

Pins that you can attach to a magic band.

Anyway, Dale had three "bits" on his band.

The hitch-hiking ghosts from HM!

He pulled one off and handed it to me as a gift.

I was touched.

Yes, I'm always a little touched, I just was more so.

I immediately put it on.


Awesome.

Aw. That was sweet of him. Glad you had such a good time.

My one regret of the evening (other than acting like a fool)

was that at some point, I remembered where I was, etc.

and asked if I could get a picture with them.

Unfortunately, instead of taking out my camera,

which would've been the smart thing to do,

I passed the waiter my iPod.

Also unfortunately, I either had the flash turned off,

or it was fooled by the glare from the kitchen and so this is the best I got.

Hey! I’ve seen them before! I like their reports too.

Great waiter, not so great photographer.

No everybody can be as great a photographer as you.

Bonus points to whoever can guess the next three rides I go on.

Rock N Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Star Tours

Thanks for reading!

Thanks for writing! Another masterpiece from the master!


Just out of curiosity, how many points do I have now, oh great one?

 

[pkondz]

I've never actually looked at the front of the theater. The hat was already up when I moved down here and started taking Disney trips, again. The prospect of seeing it next trip is exciting, though.

When the studio first appeared, as MGM, it was a working studio.
Now it's not, but it still is supposed to evoke that classic Hollywood vibe.
The most iconic things in Hollywood would be the Hollywood sign of course, the walk of fame and Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

Can you imagine putting up a giant hat in front of the Hollywood sign?

To me, it was just always out of place.
Something like that would fit better in MK (where exactly, I don't know.)
But I bet they wouldn't plunk it down right in front of the castle!

Okay. I will try to remember that. Not sure this will make you one of the cool kids.

Whadya mean "make" me?
Are you saying I'm not already one of the cool kids?


Hurt. So deeply hurt.

It's a pumpkin coach, not a DeLorean.

She's a freaking (sorry 'frican) fairy godmother! Not some two bit hack scientist.
Is a little rocketry too much to ask???

Bwahahahahahahahahaha (gasps for air) hahahahahahahaha.

So pleased I can amuse you.

I can't be the only one who didn't care for the food at 50s Prime Time! Well, my family, too. I am willing to give it another chance on a future trip, though.

I suspect it's like any restaurant... especially one with high volume traffic.
There's going to be the odd meal that doesn't make the cut.
Or, it could simply be that your tastes aren't the same as the next person's.

Try it again, see if you like it.
If yes, then the first time was an aberration.
If no, then you know for sure.

We've already established that I get all the points. Mine. Mine. Mine.

oooohhhh.... 'dem's fightin' words!

Woah, I am not allowed to take solo trips. I am fun grandma, and fun grandma always has at least one grandkid along.

I like that you're "fun grandma".
Of course, it begs the question of what the other one is called.
Do you watch Modern Family?
"Grump-pa"

Bazinga! We can each bring one hanger-on. They just have to learn the password and secret handshake.

Who gets to make up the password and handshake????
'cause if it's me, it'll be naughty.

 

[pkondz]

If we get this thing off the ground, we should be able to bring how ever many whoevers we want.

Hey, don't look at me, I'm not the Disney police.
(But what a cool job that would be!)

I just wanna go to Disney. You bring as many (or as few) as you want.

 

[Sandy Mouse]

I like that you're "fun grandma".
Of course, it begs the question of what the other one is called.
Do you watch Modern Family?
"Grump-pa"

I love Modern Family. I'm not "crazy Nana," although my oldest two grandkids' other grandma might qualify, and possibly the youngest one's. I don't have an accent (no comment on the rest!) so I cannot be the step-grandma. I can be grumpy, though.

Who gets to make up the password and handshake????
'cause if it's me, it'll be naughty.

Yeah, you're hereby disqualified. I guess it will be me.

 

[pkondz]

Aw. Look how young they are…

I know! I re-showed that picture to Ruby while I was writing the chapter.

Actually, I have photos of them when they were even younger!
And some when they weren't even born!

Don't worry, sometimes even I think I'm weird.

And write million-word trip reports…I mean trip reports filled with rich detail.

Someone's in imminent danger of losing some points.

I should have guessed you would want to go to a restaurant with antics. Darn!

We don't have any antics up here during winter.
In summer time, sure.
And every now and then we find one on the dog after she's been running through tall grass.
But I don't like them.

It’s kind of cool to see the progress though.

That's true. It is.
I might have actually been disappointed if there was nothing but construction walls.

I must admit the hat does make it a little easier to navigate the park and it’s a great place to meet. “Meet you at the hat at noon.”

Nope. Not buying it.
"Meet me by TOT." works just as well.

Never saw this and I guess it’s too late now, right?

What? Why? It's still going isn't it?
I know backstage ride is gone, but as far as I know this one's still going.

My daughter and I really enjoyed the movie. Yeah, it’s Cinderella again, but Cate Blanchett is awesome as the stepmother. And the costumes were really fun to look at.

You're the first person I know that's seen it.
But even though you enjoyed it... I don't know if I'm going to.

Then again, I just watched Wreck it Ralph for the first time yesterday.

Are we to answer story problems for points now?

I'm already doling out a plethora of points as it is.

So they must all be fabulous like these. You’re an awesome photographer!

Thanks, Laura!
Truthfully though, they really were all the same.
Picture of cars... another picture of the same cars... one more picture of those cars.... yup, another picture of those cars... etc.

Boooooring!

I’ve been guilty of that lament.

No! Not you!

Don't get me started on the mannequins…

Oh, I know... I know!!!

Ha ha ha! We had one that sounded like Charo once. I don’t understand why speaking clearly is not a requirement for working on this ride.

Well if she looked like Charo (Charo then, not Charo now) then I'd be okay with that.

But it’s so much better for the trip report.

I did it all for you, my reading public!

What??? I meant every word! You’re my disboard hero, Ponzi!

Well, of course I am. Some things are self-evident and need not be said.

Don’t you mean soaked?

Nope!

One word..... "Poncho"

(good one though. wish I'd thought of it.)

And so are you!!!

Ha! Hardly.
I know a few and I are not one of them.

I'm more of the Wil Wheaton of the DISboards.
Hmmmm.... make that the Wil Wheaton's barber of the DISboards.

This is me to a T. Maybe we’re related.

You're related to Mister T? How cool is that??

Are they giving out points or something?

Nah. Just earning them.

I used to hear, “Mabel, Mabel, strong and able. Get your elbows off the table.”

I've never heard that? Where did you hear that? Your mom? Teacher? Who?

Where are the onion rings???

Another trip. They're on another trip.

Who wouldn’t want to hang out with you????

Most people.
Didn't you know? I'm insufferable.

Who wouldn’t?? I would, and I would be risking a terrible case of frizzy hair.

Whoa. That's.... well.... that's really nice of you to say.
I, for one, know how you feel about frizzy hair. So... Yeah.

Aw. That was sweet of him. Glad you had such a good time.

It was, wasn't it? And those things are sold in packs of three or four.
So it's not like he could just go and replace the one he gave me.

Hey! I’ve seen them before! I like their reports too.

See? DIS royalty.

No everybody can be as great a photographer as you.

I wasn't asking for great. Just semi aimed in the right direction would've been nice.

Rock N Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Star Tours

Noted. I'll letcha know how ya did soon.

Thanks for writing! Another masterpiece from the master!


Just out of curiosity, how many points do I have now, oh great one?

Awww, thanks Laura.

And you have three points to date.
Possibly more if you played your guess right.

 

[pkondz]

I love Modern Family. I'm not "crazy Nana," although my oldest two grandkids' other grandma might qualify, and possibly the youngest one's. I don't have an accent (no comment on the rest!) so I cannot be the step-grandma. I can be grumpy, though.

Interesting. I can be Dopey, so I guess we're kind of on the same page.
(Definitely not Bashful.... Definitely.)

Yeah, you're hereby disqualified. I guess it will be me.

Dang! And mine had a chest bump in it and everything!

 

[Sandy Mouse]

What? Why? It's still going isn't it?
I know backstage ride is gone, but as far as I know this one's still going.

I heard some rumors that it would go away for a Star Wars area or a Cars land - don't know which. And It was never anything more than speculation.

I did it all for you, my reading public!

Aww, shucks. Brings a tear to the eye.

 

[pkondz]

I heard some rumors that it would go away for a Star Wars area or a Cars land - don't know which. And It was never anything more than speculation.

Ah. Yeah I've heard some rumours too.
But just rumours to this point.

Aww, shucks. Brings a tear to the eye.

Probably an infection. Might want to get that looked at.

 

[orangecats2]

Oh Ponzi, you're so funny!
I had the pot roast at 50PT and I thought it was really good. DH didn't like being told to get his elbows off the table so we didn't get any interaction. Then the waitress deducted dining credits for lunch when we told her that we wanted to pay OOP. So DH wasn't impressed with the place. He's never been to Sci-Fi but he doesn't care to go. I didn't really care for it when I went. We've been to both H&V (I liked but DH didn't) and Mama Melrose (DH liked but I didn't) and we don't want to spend two credits on Brown Derby, therefore we're going to try Cape May next time. Unless we get deluxe dining then we'll either go to Flying Fish or Yachtsman Steakhouse.

Yes, I can bring DH with me on a trip however we won't have money for both of us to go till September 2016. I thought maybe I could do a semi-solo trip next February when Ponzi and Marie go. Maybe someday I can go without DH. Or that we can all meet up one day at WDW.

I'm one who is glad the hat is being taken down. I first went to MGM in 1996 when there was no hat and it was still called MGM. I thought the hat was too gaudy, too big and it blocked the Chinese theater. I always thought the Earful Tower was the symbol of MGM.

Can't wait for the next update. I need more points!

 

[laura74]

Didn't I earn some more points for some awesome compliments?

 

[Sandy Mouse]

Hey, don't look at me, I'm not the Disney police.
(But what a cool job that would be!)

Yes! I'm going to retire and move to Disney, live in one of those apartments above the shops on Main Street and be a Disney cop. You'll be one of my references, right?

I just wanna go to Disney. You bring as many (or as few) as you want.

Exactly.

Ah. Yeah I've heard some rumours too.
But just rumours to this point.

That's why I made sure to see it last time, but I have not heard any more rumors.

So, the next chapter must be close... bring on the points.

 

[pkondz]

Oh Ponzi, you're so funny!

I know! Everywhere I go, people point and say "Hey! There's a funny looking guy."
Heck it's one of my earliest memories.
My Mom: "Oh this is my little boy, pkondz."
Every guest ever: "Oh, well... he's kind of funny looking isn't he?"
Mom: "<nods>"

I had the pot roast at 50PT and I thought it was really good.

I'm hearing more and more about this pot roast...
I may have decided on my next meal there.

DH didn't like being told to get his elbows off the table so we didn't get any interaction.

I get it. Sometimes you just want to eat.
But for me personally, I go to 50s or Whispering Canyon
because I want the interactions..

Then the waitress deducted dining credits for lunch when we told her that we wanted to pay OOP.

Agree. OOPs.

So DH wasn't impressed with the place. He's never been to Sci-Fi but he doesn't care to go. I didn't really care for it when I went.

Ambiance A+. Food C.
And once you've sat through the entire "film", it gets old quick.

We've been to both H&V (I liked but DH didn't) and Mama Melrose (DH liked but I didn't) and we don't want to spend two credits on Brown Derby, therefore we're going to try Cape May next time.

Interesting that you both had opposite reactions to H&V and Mama Melrose.
I keep hearing mixed reviews on both of them, so I'm not overly surprised.

But I've heard only good things about Cape May.

Yes, I can bring DH with me on a trip however we won't have money for both of us to go till September 2016. I thought maybe I could do a semi-solo trip next February when Ponzi and Marie go. Maybe someday I can go without DH. Or that we can all meet up one day at WDW.

I totally get the money thing.
I got an email from Elle's friend's Dee's Mom.
(Dee is who we took to Niagara Falls in the last TR)
They have a condo in Florida and want to take Elle with them this Christmas.
But flights are about $1000 (we'd have to pay to get her there)
and if she goes, Ruby and I (or even just I) can't.

Elle turns 18 in a few weeks and my gut is saying
"Go if you want... come up with the money on your own."
Have to discuss it with Ruby and Elle first.

I'm one who is glad the hat is being taken down. I first went to MGM in 1996 when there was no hat and it was still called MGM.

Ditto. Different year, but... ditto.

Can't wait for the next update. I need more points!

Working on it!

Didn't I earn some more points for some awesome compliments?

So that's the real reason for the awesome compliments????

Hmmmmm....

Yes! I'm going to retire and move to Disney, live in one of those apartments above the shops on Main Street and be a Disney cop. You'll be one of my references, right?

Oh, sure! Who wouldn't want fun grandma on the beat?

So, the next chapter must be close... bring on the points.

Working on it!

 

[Sandy Mouse]

Oh, sure! Who wouldn't want fun grandma on the beat?

You know, I have to work really hard at being Fun Grandma because my natural tendency is to be mean and nasty (and grumpy), and I don't even like kids. I come from a long line of women who don't like kids. My mother doesn't like kids, my grandmother didn't like kids... you get the picture. It's a wonder I didn't turn out to be a cereal killer. Don't worry, Captain Crunch is safe.

 

[pkondz]

You know, I have to work really hard at being Fun Grandma because my natural tendency is to be mean and nasty (and grumpy), and I don't even like kids.

Uh... maybe Disney cop is not the best avenue to pursue.

I come from a long line of women who don't like kids. My mother doesn't like kids, my grandmother didn't like kids... you get the picture.

Good thing none of you had any!
Oh.... wait....

It's a wonder I didn't turn out to be a cereal killer. Don't worry, Captain Crunch is safe.

<groan>

Actually, is Captain Crunch even around anymore?
Uh, oh... You didn't....

<phew> Just checked Google. He's still alive.

 

[pkondz]

Finding the time.

Well, I'm full.
Winner, winner, chicken urrrp... dinner.
Excuse me.

I drank that whole milkshake, too.


After my ADR and a truly wonderful DISmeet ended,
I watched as my old, yet new friends walked off into the rain.

I took a quick glance at my watch and realized that I had a FP+ time coming up.
Well, actually it was almost over.

When I'd booked the ADR, I guesstimated the amount of time it would take,
added on a bit of time just for good measure...
And still it looked like I wasn't going to catch my first ever FP+

And you know what?
I didn't care!


I'll take time with Dawn, Dale and Caitlin over a ride any day.


But... since they were gone and I was all by myself again.....
Time to put the pedal to the metal and scoot over to my first ride of the night.
(No time for sashaying... or more accurately, considering the downpour, squishing along.)

I grabbed my poncho, threw it on and quickly headed out to...
(Those of you playing along... are you holding your collective breaths right about now?)

Headed out to:

Wait! Wait! You said it was raining! Pouring in fact.
Yes I did. I will admit that this photo was taken a little later that night.
But it just fits there.


I was running late for my FP+ so I didn't stop for photos at that time
and just skedaddled over to the FP+ line.
(I am an expert sashayer, but I excel at skedaddling as well.)

Within a few seconds I was being invited along for a ride by Steven Tyler.
Pretty sure he just meant me,
but all these other people seemed to think they were invited too.
I didn't want to disillusion them.
Dream on.

A few more seconds and I was seated in my limo and waiting to take off.

Back when I was planning this trip, Disney would send me reminders of upcoming important dates.
Time to make ADRs, time to make FP+ selections and reminders to get Memory Maker.
At the time, I believe Memory Maker if purchased in advance was $150.

That's a lot of moola for some pictures.
At least I thought so.

But you can buy them a la carte too.
And I knew going in that I'd only want one or two.
But that's one that I knew I wanted.
I thought it'd make a fun intro picture.

Now usually, when I'm sitting, waiting for the ride to start,
I'm pretty nervous.
I remember the first time I rode RNRC, I didn't know what to expect.
And of course, it was an absolute blast.

But every time I ride it, there's that frisson of fear that skitters up my spine.

This time, I was so busy getting ready for my close up, Mr. DeMille, that I forgot to be nervous!
(bonus points to anyone who can tell me what that has to do with RNRC)


The ride? Merely jaw droppingly fantastic as always.


Now is it just me?
I believe that most people look straight ahead as they ride this
and watch the neon glowing street signs as they stream past.
But do you ever look to the side?
Did you know there's an entire night lit city in there?
It reminds me of the best part of Peter Pan, when you're flying over London.

Might be a tad faster, though.

Man I love that ride.


When the ride ended, I took a quick peak at the ride photos to make sure I'd got, got.
Seeing that I did, it was now time to head back out into the elements.
My next FP+ awaited.

And I didn't have far to go.
TOT was just around the corner.
(ooh, some of you are counting your points right about now, aren't you!)
(and some of you are crying in front of your computers.)

With the rain, there weren't too many people out and about,
but it always kind of surprises me that they put these two rides so close together.
I guess Disney just likes everyone to have that nice and cosy,
close feeling with your fellow complete strangers.


I've got a real love/hate relationship with TOT.
I remember watching Rod Serling and The Twilight Zone on TV as a kid.
(in reruns... how old do you think I am??? DO NOT ANSWER THAT!)

I love the whole theming of the place, inside and out.
I love all the little (and not so little) nods to the TV show.

I love that the car exits the elevator and moves down the hall.
I love all the special effects that accompany it.

I decidedly don't love the drop.
I tolerate it so I can see all of the rest of it.
But tolerate is the right word.
I'd probably be happier if there was a chicken exit right before you drop.
But then I want to get back on at the end so I can see the props at the bottom.


I got to TOT a minute or so after exiting RNR.
This hotel is so cool! The theming is amazing!
Man I love this ride!
I was in the library listening to Rod Serling in no time.
Man I love this ride!
We were then ushered out of the library and into the boiler room.
Soon I was seated in my car and watching ghosts appear and clocks run backwards.
Man I love this ride!
The car came to a stop, paused ever so briefly, then
D
R
O
P
P
E
D
!
!
!

Man I hate this ride!

We bounced up and down for a year or so and finally came to a stop at the bottom.
Which kind of sucked, because I was down here,
but my stomach was up there!

And it had been such a good meal too!


I checked the time and I had about an hour to kill before my next FP+ to...
Ha! Not yet! You'll just have to wait a little longer to find out!

I put on my poncho and headed out in the rain with no real destination in mind.
And then I had a thought.
I celebrated, because they come so infrequently.


Kay has been taking guitar for a couple of years now
and the first concert I took her to (at her request, no less)
was Aerosmith.
(I'll never forget that moment when Steven Tyler introduced "Joe 'frican Perry!"
except he didn't say "'frican", if you know what I mean.
Kay, all innocent, (she was 9) turns to me and says,
"Why did he say that, Daddy?")

Oh, boy.

I should have told her he heard it from Schwartz.
I wonder if Steven Tyler would chose Palmolive or Life Buoy?


I thought it might be worth a peak in the RNR gift shop
to see if there was something that she might like.

I headed back to RNR and wandered around the gift shop for a bit.
I didn't find anything that I thought she might like for a while.
But eventually, I picked up some guitar picks.
There really wasn't anything else there that I thought she'd like.

Now, I myself, have never been a big fan of souvenirs.
Wait. That's not quite right.
I was a big fan when I was little.
I picked up all kinds of junk from our travels when I was a kid.
Later, when I was old enough to move out on my own,
I packed up my stuff and took a good long look at all the junk
I'd collected over the years.
And chucked it.
I had my memories and usually there were photos to help in that department.
And that's all I wanted.

So I'm not a big "stuff" fan.
I normally don't buy souvenirs.
I don't mind if you do.
I don't think anything less of you.
Everyone has their own way of preserving their memories.
People have their own collections of stuff.
But souvenirs is not one of my collectible things.
If that makes me shallow, so be it.
Momma always said I came from the shallow end of the gene pool,
so I guess it fits.

However.
That doesn't preclude my buying something if I think it's cool.


I mentioned in the last update that Dale had given me a magic band-it.
And I liked it! It was cool.
Hello! It was a HM ghost!

Well..... when I was in the RNR gift shop, I spotted these.

And I knew I had to have them!
So I did.

The only problem was that Zero (the ghost dog) was too long.
I knew immediately that I would lose him.
He'd get snagged on something and Poof! gone.
Maybe I'd get lucky and not lose him. But I had my doubts.


After making my purchases, it was time to poncho up and head off
to my last FP+ of the night.
I was looking forward to this since it had changed since last I'd been on it.
Which means most of you have just figured out what the next ride is.

I was on my way to Star Tours.

The Contest

So the correct answer to the bonus question would be:
RNR, TOT and Star Tours (which I'm going to abbreviate to ST for brevity)

For those of you wondering about TSMM...
I decided not to ride it for two reasons.
The biggest reason was.... solo vacation.
I just didn't think I'd enjoy it very much if I was yanking away all by myself.

uh.... Wow, did that ever come out wrong!

MOVING ON!!!!


I think the best part about TSMM and Buzz is the competition.
Seeing who gets the highest score.
With no one there to play with/against, it just didn't appeal to me.

The second reason, which is really just a continuation of the first,
is I didn't want to stand in line for an hour to ride it
and I wasn't going to waste a FP+ on it
for the above mentioned reasons.


Now...

Since I'm in a giving mood, I've decided to award points as follows.
One point for each correct ride.
One point for each correct ride, in the correct order.
Two points for being the first to correctly guess all rides in order.

Here are your guesses, in order of posting and points awarded.

dawnbu40 - ST, Muppets, TSMM - 1 point
Tracy161 - TOT, RNR, TSMM - 2 points
mmeb144 - ST, TSMM, F! - 1 point
shan23877 - RNR, TOT, ST - 8 points
afwdwfan - ST, TOT, RNR - 4 points
ForeverDance - TSMM, RNR, TOT - 2 points
courtneybelle - ST, TOT, TSMM - 3 points
Scoobymoons - TSMM, ST, TOT - 2 points
KatMark - TOT, TSMM, ST - 3 points
RGirl - TOT, RNR, ST - 4 points
dgthree - RNR, TOT, TSMM - 4 points
orangecats2 - ST, RNR, TOT - 3 points
ddstratton - TOT, RNR, ST - 4 points
MAGICFOR2 - TOT, RNR, ST - 4 points
Thumper_Man - RNR, RNR, TOT - 3 points
Sandy Mouse - TOT, RNR, ST - 4 points
laura74 - RNR, TOT, ST - 6 points

Scoobymoons - 2 points for pointing out that being across the pond deserves bonus points.
Rgirl - 2 points for knowing EXACTLY whom I was referring to.
laura74 - 2 points for stating the obvious. (Flattery will get you everywhere.)
orangecats2 - 1 point for deductive reasoning.


Contest points so far

Laura74 11 points
MAGICFOR2 10 points
shan23877 9 points
orangecats2 8 points
afwdwfan 7 points
Rgirl 6 points
Sandy Mouse 5 points
ddstratton 4 points
dgthree 4 points
Scoobymoons 4 points
Tracy161 4 points
courtneybelle 3 points
dawnbu40 3 points
ForeverDance 3 points
KatMark 3 points
mmeb144 3 points
Thumper_Man 3 points

Those of you feeling disheartened, don't worry.
Plenty of points to come.
And for those of you at the top? You've been warned.
Don't get cocky.
(Oh, okay. Go ahead and brag.)

If I've forgotten someone or I've made a mistake somewhere, please let me know and I'll fix it.
I'm pretty sure I got everyone and everything though.


Continuing on...

I sashayed down in the direction of Star Tours.
When I arrived it immediately became apparent that getting a FP+
for it had been a wise decision.

I entered the FP+ queue just ahead of a family of three or four.
I walked the length of the queue without encountering a single person.

Arriving at the end, a CM directed me to an apparently abandoned set of doors.
The CM told me to pick any row that I wanted.
I asked which row she preferred and she said she liked the last row.
Okay. Good enough for me.
A few seconds later, the family of three or four showed up
and we were let into the ride.

Pretty sure there was me and them and that's it.
Good thing I had that FP+, right?


The ride?
So much better now than what it used to be.
I remember liking it before, but now?
Awesome.

After the ride... I had no more plans.
I was open to wherever the wind (or in this case, rain) took me.
And it took me here:

I ignored the "Keep out" signs and wandered in.
I had to take this next picture.
She was alive the last time I'd been here and now she was gone.
So I just thought it was fitting to pay her a little homage.

After the show, since I was reasonably close,
I decided that a stop at the Writer's Stop was in order.
Second on my list of things to do was to get a Carrot Cake cookie there.


The last time we were down, I actually got one.
We were on the DDP so it was "free".
Except... we were on the DDP so I was too stuffed... and never ate it!

Well, I looked at that cookie in the display case... and I was still too stuffed!


But it was here that I had the strangest experience of the trip.

I was standing, pretty much in the middle of the store,
with my back to the counter.
(I was looking around at all the books, etc.)
Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder and a woman's voice say:
"Did you eat your cupcake already?"

Confused, I turned to face my accuser.
I didn't eat my cupcake, because I hadn't bought one!

A middle aged or so woman was looking at me with eyes the size of saucers.
"You're not my husband!" She spluttered.
I looked over her shoulder and there was a middle aged gentleman standing there,
with a cupcake in his hand.
He was wearing white sneakers and socks... like me.
And beige cargo shorts... like me.
And a black T-shirt... like me.
His build was... let's say "svelte"... like me.
He had a distinguished head of salt and pepper hair ()... like me.
He even had an awesome 'stache... like me.


I won't say it was quite like looking into a mirror, but...
He easily could've passed for a film double.

We all laughed and remarked on our similarities.
My only regret is I didn't think to ask the wife to take a picture of us.
I think she was a bit too embarrassed to take one anyway.

I chuckled to myself and headed back out.
With no poncho this time!
At about 7:35pm, the rain had finally let up!


Once again, I had no concrete destination in mind.
But then I thought of something that I hadn't been to before.
I sashayed over to the Magic of Disney Animation.

I really hadn't thought about this, although it was in the back of my mind.
It was one of those, "If I have time" kind of things.
Well, I had time, so why not?

Since I hadn't really researched this, I wasn't quite sure where to go once I was inside.
I knew I wanted to draw, but...
A CM told me that a tour was starting in just a couple of minutes.

Tour? Okay, I guess.

So I watched as an animator and Mushu detailed the finer points of animation.
And I really enjoyed it.
I hadn't expected to see this, indeed I didn't even know about it,
so it was a nice surprise.

After the show, I found the Animation Academy and got in line.
A few short minutes later, we were filing into the theater.


It took a while to decide on what (who?) to draw.
Everyone else there seemed to be back for the umpteenth time.
Every time the animator would ask if someone had drawn a certain character,
at least one person would put up their hand.

Finally we found one and set out to draw.
I wouldn't mind trying again, some time, but it's not super high on my list.

I call it "Tigger after being stung by a bee on the left cheek."
That makes it art.


I sashayed out of the building, into the Animation Courtyard and saw it.
As soon as I did, a big smile plastered itself on my face and I knew I had to get one.

I marched right up to the cart and asked for a Mickey Head pretzel.
Yes I was thinking of you guys, Shan and Maddie.
I think it went like, "Hey! There's those pretzels that Maddie loves so much!"
And you know what?

I loved it too.

Not just because it was so good.
(Hello! Pretzel! and double hello! Disney Mickey Head pretzel!)
But because it reminded me of some good not-yet-met friends.

I held up my pretzel and did a silent salute.
"This one's for you Shan and Maddie!"

People may have looked at me oddly.
I'm quite used to that.


I spent the next little while sashaying around a bit,
just enjoying the sights.
I did take some time to take a few pictures.

I sashayed into one of the shops.
Not really intending on buying anything (remember? Not really into that.)
But you never know.
I did stop short at a picture that was hanging on a wall.

You think you know things, then something comes out of left field
and you just sort of stand there and go... "huh."

Walt played the piano?
I guess I shouldn't be surprised,
but I do wonder what this was all about.
Was he famous then?
Was this a night job?


I sashayed out and started heading towards the exit.
The park was going to remain open for another hour,
but I was pretty content to head out by now.
It had been a long day.

I stopped to take another picture when it happened.

A young man, travelling in the opposite direction,
on the opposite side of the street called over to me.
"Can you tell me what time it mumble?"
Okay, so maybe I didn't hear the last word, but I know when someone wants the time.
I'm sorta used to it.

I've got this thing.
People always ask me for directions.
Almost always when I'm in a strange city.
Funny thing is, frequently I know where it is that they're asking about.
Asking me for the time is getting a bit less common now,
especially since almost everyone has a smart phone.
But it still happens from time to time.

I glanced at my watch and called out "Five to nine."
He replied. "What?"
I repeated. "It's five to nine."
He looked like he didn't understand.
Ah, this younger generation. Some can't read a clock with hands.
They only get digital.
I translated. "Eight fifty five."

He looked annoyed and said. "Yeah? So? Who cares? What time is the park open till?"

Now I must admit that I was in a pretty good mood.
It was the end of a spectacular day.
So I was pretty taken aback by this cretinous display of rudeness.
I said. "Ten o'clock." And he marched off.

I wish now, that I'd had the presence of mind to tell him the park was closing in five minutes.
Maybe it's for the best.
I might have been forced to walk out of the park with this idiot.


I shook it off, reminded myself that I'd had a nice day and headed out.

Okay, just one more picture before I catch my bus.

I like the glow of Fantasmic! in the background.
And no, I didn't see it.
Seen it already, and while I wouldn't mind seeing it again...
I was quite content to put it off until another time.


It was starting to get pretty cold out.
And as I sashayed to the bus stop,
I started to dream of a nice warm bath to fight off the chill.

Oh yeah. I don't actually have a bathtub.

Ah well.


I got to the bus stop at nine o'clock sharp.
Moments later someone came up to me and asked if this was the bus stop for ASMu.
That's more like it.
"Yes." I told him. "It is."

The bus arrived at nine fourteen.
By my standards, not too long.
By yours.... well that's up to you.

I got back to the resort, popped into Melody Hall and grabbed
an orange juice for the morning and a Rice Krispie treat.
Because... well... Rice Krispie treat.

I was back in my room by nine forty five.

I ate my treat (oh Lord, so good.) and quickly wrote up a few notes.
I was probably asleep before ten.


Hang on.
Something's missing....
Ah!
I know what it is.
For the more astute of you (and I'm sure that's all of you)
I'm sure you recall a certain promise?
The one where I promised you a never before seen Disney picture?

Well you're going to get it in just a second.

So here's the deal.
The first person to correctly guess what this picture is
and where in Disney it was taken wins ten points.
If it turns out that someone guesses only where or what, I may split up the points.
This time, I'll tell anyone whether or not their guess is correct.
Feel free to guess again if you're wrong.
If after a while, no one has guessed it, I'll start posting clues.

So here ya go. Have at it... and thanks for reading!

Link to next post!​

 

[orangecats2]

Is the weird pic the bottom of the door to your bathroom, closed?

Shouldn't I have gotten an extra point for correctly guessing why you didn't go on TSMM?
I knew you would visit Muppets!

 

[pkondz]

Is the weird pic the bottom of the door to your bathroom, closed?

Nope.
Besides, bathroom door pictures have been seen before.

Shouldn't I have gotten an extra point for correctly guessing why you didn't go on TSMM?

Yes. And I meant to do that.
Points adjusted.

I knew you would visit Muppets!

Sorry, no bonus points for that one!

 

[orangecats2]

Well it definitely looks like carpet in the pic. Is it in the pre-show room at RnRC?

 

[mmeb144]

Seat cushions in the ASMu Food Court?