ABD Backstage Magic 7/31 - 8/5/11

[paulasillars]

Have to go to work but in the latest breaking news ... I have a new iMac just got yesterday - the Apple Conversion has begun!! The ancient thing I have been using (computer geek friend suggesting the only thing that would help it was a sledgehammer) - not a Mac btw - is going to computer heaven as soon as I get my files off it.

Why did I wait this long to go Apple?

For me anyway, you are preaching to the converted. I'm an IT geek by profession and last October bought an Macbook to replace my Dell for home. OMG, I would never go back to Windows.

For work, I live and breathe MS Windows and I can clearly see that there is a place for both and I hope that continues to be honest. A little more competition would be a good thing.

For basic "office" use, I'm definite an Open Office lover - see no point in MS Office other than if you have Exchange then Outlook is hard to beat for functionality.

We're trying to focus on other trips (big and small) rather than focusing as much on the one a little over 11 months away. Of course, there are the moments it just gets to me and I can't help but

I do try to focus on one trip at a time. Mum and I did a cruise with Princess a couple of years ago through the French Pacific and all we did was talk about our upcoming Disney trip... its nice to have something to look forward to but I do try to stay in the moment and not wish my life away

 

[BonnieMB]

For me anyway, you are preaching to the converted. I'm an IT geek by profession and last October bought an Macbook to replace my Dell for home. OMG, I would never go back to Windows.

For work, I live and breathe MS Windows and I can clearly see that there is a place for both and I hope that continues to be honest. A little more competition would be a good thing.



Well I have no choice but to use MS Office (for Mac) because my university bought the license and that is what is supported across campus. It is fine and well I have the whole lovely rest of my iMac to love.... the 21.5 in ch screen is gorgeous and the whole thing is just so sleek...no more dratted HUDGE cpu to bash my knee on.

Now if I could just stop playing on the internet...

DH is a diehard for non-Mac computers - says its 'what he knows'. I swear if he just gave it a try... sigh...

Anyone going to be on the chat tonight? 8pm EST?

 

[paulasillars]

Anyone going to be on the chat tonight? 8pm EST?

There was a few from this trip but numbers are dwinding now its late (for those in the US/Canada).

 

[ZiggyZ]

We are thinking of alternate transportation to LA. Has anybody taken Amtrak to LA Union Station and how difficult and or expensive would it be to get our hotel? Also thought about flying into SF to go back to the WD Family Museum and taking the Coast Starlight to LA or driving to LA. Thoughts!!

 

[mikelan6]

We are thinking of alternate transportation to LA. Has anybody taken Amtrak to LA Union Station and how difficult and or expensive would it be to get our hotel?

The LA Metro actually runs from Union Station to a station right at the Hollywood and Highland complex, where the Renaissance Hotel is located!

 

[BonnieMB]

Hi all
Got the books I ordered from the reading list for our trip. Soaked up the Imagineer's Guide to Disneyland in one night! Can't wait to do my Wild By Design tour at AKP now...so much really cool design stuff about plantings, perspective, berms, sight lines, etc (True Confession Time: At one time I wanted to be a landscape architect, so I'm a bit of a geek about this stuff (took intro courses for a Bachelors Degree in L.Arch. before deciding on geography) And there was a time when I thought being a veterinarian would be great - and now I've done a bunch of research about how people think, feel and interact in zoos). OK - end of 'geek-out'

Started on the Jim Henson: The Works book - can't help but thinking about the similarities between Jim and Walt. Great pity they never met ... or did they? Nah...all that creative, collaborative, energy in one place?

Anyone else getting some good edumacation??

 

[SaraMc]

I picked up the Birnbaum Guide for DL on thursday and have been reading that. Thanks Nikki for the recomendation. So far loving it.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Bonnie, I did the Wild by Design Tour about a year ago and absolutely loved it. It honestly made Animal Kingdom one of my least favorite parks to my second favorite (MK being the first). You really appreciate everything so much more after going on that tour.

Sara, glad to hear you are enjoying Birnbaum's guide to DLR. I always love those books.

I hope everyone is looking forward to a good weekend. The weather is beautiful here and I have no plans as of yet. Not sure what to do today, but have an itch to go shopping.

 

[BonnieMB]

I picked up the Birnbaum Guide for DL on thursday and have been reading that. Thanks Nikki for the recomendation. So far loving it.

Hey sister - I think you will really love the Imagineer's Guide too. When should I send it?

 

[BonnieMB]

Bonnie, I did the Wild by Design Tour about a year ago and absolutely loved it. It honestly made Animal Kingdom one of my least favorite parks to my second favorite (MK being the first). You really appreciate everything so much more after going on that tour.

Oh wow! I already really like AKP - it probably is my #3 (DHS and MK are my #1 and #2). Can't wait to do it now!

Meant to ask - what do you all think about the upcoming 'Tangled' movie and the early tie-in in Fantasyland? If I remember right it will be ready when SaraMc and I are in WDW in Feb...curious to see how this goes...

 

[*NikkiBell*]

When I read that on the blog, I thought it sounded pretty cool, Bonnie. I'm very excited for this movie to come out. I hope it does well at the box office!

 

[paulasillars]

Also thought about flying into SF to go back to the WD Family Museum and taking the Coast Starlight to LA or driving to LA. Thoughts!!

We are probably starting in SF too and are planning on hiring a car to drive down to LA.

Bonnie, I did the Wild by Design Tour about a year ago and absolutely loved it. It honestly made Animal Kingdom one of my least favorite parks to my second favorite (MK being the first). You really appreciate everything so much more after going on that tour.

AK is my favourite park - I think its beautiful and I love watching the animals.

 

[ZiggyZ]

Be sure to allow extra time for the WD Family Museum. We allowed 2 Hours and 4 hrs later that was still not enough time.

 

[mr. figment]

Afternoon Campers...

Bonnie did you start the Jim Hensen book yet? This is the one book I'm seriously considering. Otherwise I'm going to skim through my Walt Disney biography book before the trip.

Also, I have ask, so has anyone come up with some good questions for Marty Sklar? I keep thinking I'm going to get the deer in the head lights look after I say "Really enjoy your work....Mr Sklar!" Just curious.

 

[Jeff & Stacy in NYC]

Also, I have ask, so has anyone come up with some good questions for Marty Sklar? I keep thinking I'm going to get the deer in the head lights look after I say "Really enjoy your work....Mr Sklar!" Just curious.

We have been discussing this, too. Once, we were eating at the Brown Derby, when we realized the table next to us was having "dinner with an imagineer". Jeff was sitting closer and could hear some of the conversation. It was a woman and her daughter (who was 12ish), and all they could say was along the lines of, "You should see our house," and questions about new pins. At one point, Jeff went to the restroom and saw the imagineer on the phone, asking for back-up. Next thing we knew, a Cast Member showed up at the table to do card tricks.

When Kevin started the "taunting" thread we were so sure the surprise would be Richard Sherman. We were set to go with questions for him, then we found out it was going to be Marty. Can't use those questions...back to the drawing board! Marty is huge in Disney!! We want to come up with thoughtful questions that aren't going bore the poor man to death!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I have no idea what to ask Marty! You all need to come up with good questions!

I did Dine with an Imagineer last November. It was fabulous and the conversation never died. We were in a private room at the Brown Derby and it was such a wonderful experience. I can only imagine how Marty is going to top this!

 

[mr. figment]

I have no idea what to ask Marty! You all need to come up with good questions!

I did Dine with an Imagineer last November. It was fabulous and the conversation never died. We were in a private room at the Brown Derby and it was such a wonderful experience. I can only imagine how Marty is going to top this!

We did Dine with an Imagineer in June and really loved it. We got a lot of cool background information about projects Dan had worked on like Kim Possible and similar at the new Hawaii resort. There were so many questions I wanted to ask but knew that he couldn't comment on. I'm really looking forward to lunch with Marty Sklar. Does anyone know where the lunch with Marty will fit into the schedule or is that to be determined.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I'm curious to know that as well, but am sure we'll find out as the trip gets closer and things are finalized.

I had a female sculptor as my Imagineer (her name slips me at the moment) and she was great to talk to.

 

[BonnieMB]

Afternoon Campers...

Bonnie did you start the Jim Hensen book yet? This is the one book I'm seriously considering. Otherwise I'm going to skim through my Walt Disney biography book before the trip.

Hi and yes, I did start the Henson book - I really like it - it made me think how much Walt and he were alike - small town backgrounds, unwavering creativity in all sorts of areas, and ability to quietly inspire others to work beside them on their dreams. I wonder - did they ever meet? I'm on Chapter 3 (This Chapter is Brought to You by the Number 3) which talks about the early Sesame Street years.

I think its worth it - can't wait to get to the chapter that focuses on the work of The Creature Shop!

 

[BonnieMB]

I have no idea what to ask Marty! You all need to come up with good questions!

Ack! I have no idea what to ask Marty either
Can anybody recommend anything I could read to get up to speed on all that Marty has worked on? Then I could put my researcher hat on and get busy on some good questions.