Chropistopy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2002
- Messages
- 916
I ventured solo on the most recent Podcast Backstage Magic trip. It was an amazing trip. This report will be my first trip report. I hope you enjoy! I'll apologize in advance for the pictures...not the best camera.
Adventures by Disney: Backstage Magic 7/25/10 7/31/10
Day 1
My day started with a short drive from Covington to Hartsfield (Atlanta airport). I arrived at 8:15 and made it through security in record time even though the guy at security gave me a hard time. As I was waiting for my things to come out of the machine, I was told that the x-ray machine was not there for my viewing pleasure. He then proceeded to search my bag and give me a hard time about not having my bottles in a zip lock bag. At this point, I just wanted him to throw away everything and let me go on my way. He eventually allowed me to keep all of my stuff after a nice lecture. After arriving at the gate about an hour before boarding, I pulled out my phone to check facebook and the boards. After a few facebook exchanges, I discovered that I was on the same flight as Lisa and Paul (they had a layover). I was sitting just a few feet away and didnt know it. We had a nice chat before boarding the plane. I dont know if I was just anxious to arrive or what but that flight seemed to take five days. I tried to distract myself with my iPad and ended up playing Angry Birds and obsessively checking facebook for updates from the other ABDers arriving in CA.
After a nice ride from the airport, we arrived in Hollywood. Checking in at the hotel was a breeze with the help of Michael and Dean (our guides for the week). I was told that my room was not ready but would be ready soon. Since I had not had anything to eat, I ventured out into the Hollywood & Highland complex to find food.
During lunch, Dean called to let me know that my room was ready and I could pick up the key from him. Arriving at the check-in area, I discovered many more from the group had gathered. I was very excited to meet Pete, Walter, Kristen, Nichole, Jeff, Stacy, Rob, and Mike (sorry if I left someone out lots of people to remember on the first day). After a brief encounter with my fellow travelers, I headed up to my room for a much needed nap. I was not sleeping very long when a bellman knocked at the door. My ABD goodies had arrived!!! That duffle bag would come in handy (more later ). I was once again sleeping when Dean called to say that our dinner had been moved from 5:45 to 5:00. Ok, no napping for me. I freshened up and headed out to meet the group.
As the group gathered for dinner, everyone made their rounds introducing themselves. Michael and Dean had each of the individual groups pose in front of the Twist sculpture for the first of many ABD sign pictures. Rob handed out journals that he had made and personalized for everyone. What a great surprise! Thanks Rob! Pete and Walter had Dis Unplugged visors for everyone (personalized with the ABD trip and date). Nice! Our dinner was held in a banquet room at the hotel. The food was good but we didnt get any type of choice. Everyone had chicken, potatoes, and vegetables (cant remember what). Im sure they made some type of effort for those with dietary needs but everyone at my table had the same meal. During dinner, Michael and Dean gave instructions for the week to come. A trivia game took place with the participants being John, Rob, Pam, and Wayne. Everyone put in an admirable showing but John ended up on top. He won a photo album while all of the other participants received Vinylmation figures.
John, Rob, Pam, and Wayne
Also at dinner, Jen distributed candy that she and John had brought from Switzerland. She also made a special effort to get some sugar free chocolate for Pete. Pete was nice enough to share and I have to say I almost like that version better than the fully loaded chocolate. After passing out some more ABD goodies, Michael and Dean said good night.
After dinner, I joined Mike, Rob, Pam, Mary, Anne, and Alan for a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard. We found one of Walts stars.
We returned to the lobby of the hotel for a visit with Nancy Johnson (Disneyland Correspondent). Nancy gave us some tips and answered questions about our visit to Disneyland. Since it was pretty late (I was still on east coast time), I then headed to bed. Our day was going to start early the next morning.
Me, Nancy, and Kristen
Adventures by Disney: Backstage Magic 7/25/10 7/31/10
Day 1
My day started with a short drive from Covington to Hartsfield (Atlanta airport). I arrived at 8:15 and made it through security in record time even though the guy at security gave me a hard time. As I was waiting for my things to come out of the machine, I was told that the x-ray machine was not there for my viewing pleasure. He then proceeded to search my bag and give me a hard time about not having my bottles in a zip lock bag. At this point, I just wanted him to throw away everything and let me go on my way. He eventually allowed me to keep all of my stuff after a nice lecture. After arriving at the gate about an hour before boarding, I pulled out my phone to check facebook and the boards. After a few facebook exchanges, I discovered that I was on the same flight as Lisa and Paul (they had a layover). I was sitting just a few feet away and didnt know it. We had a nice chat before boarding the plane. I dont know if I was just anxious to arrive or what but that flight seemed to take five days. I tried to distract myself with my iPad and ended up playing Angry Birds and obsessively checking facebook for updates from the other ABDers arriving in CA.
After a nice ride from the airport, we arrived in Hollywood. Checking in at the hotel was a breeze with the help of Michael and Dean (our guides for the week). I was told that my room was not ready but would be ready soon. Since I had not had anything to eat, I ventured out into the Hollywood & Highland complex to find food.
During lunch, Dean called to let me know that my room was ready and I could pick up the key from him. Arriving at the check-in area, I discovered many more from the group had gathered. I was very excited to meet Pete, Walter, Kristen, Nichole, Jeff, Stacy, Rob, and Mike (sorry if I left someone out lots of people to remember on the first day). After a brief encounter with my fellow travelers, I headed up to my room for a much needed nap. I was not sleeping very long when a bellman knocked at the door. My ABD goodies had arrived!!! That duffle bag would come in handy (more later ). I was once again sleeping when Dean called to say that our dinner had been moved from 5:45 to 5:00. Ok, no napping for me. I freshened up and headed out to meet the group.
As the group gathered for dinner, everyone made their rounds introducing themselves. Michael and Dean had each of the individual groups pose in front of the Twist sculpture for the first of many ABD sign pictures. Rob handed out journals that he had made and personalized for everyone. What a great surprise! Thanks Rob! Pete and Walter had Dis Unplugged visors for everyone (personalized with the ABD trip and date). Nice! Our dinner was held in a banquet room at the hotel. The food was good but we didnt get any type of choice. Everyone had chicken, potatoes, and vegetables (cant remember what). Im sure they made some type of effort for those with dietary needs but everyone at my table had the same meal. During dinner, Michael and Dean gave instructions for the week to come. A trivia game took place with the participants being John, Rob, Pam, and Wayne. Everyone put in an admirable showing but John ended up on top. He won a photo album while all of the other participants received Vinylmation figures.
John, Rob, Pam, and Wayne
Also at dinner, Jen distributed candy that she and John had brought from Switzerland. She also made a special effort to get some sugar free chocolate for Pete. Pete was nice enough to share and I have to say I almost like that version better than the fully loaded chocolate. After passing out some more ABD goodies, Michael and Dean said good night.
After dinner, I joined Mike, Rob, Pam, Mary, Anne, and Alan for a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard. We found one of Walts stars.
We returned to the lobby of the hotel for a visit with Nancy Johnson (Disneyland Correspondent). Nancy gave us some tips and answered questions about our visit to Disneyland. Since it was pretty late (I was still on east coast time), I then headed to bed. Our day was going to start early the next morning.
Me, Nancy, and Kristen
Excellent trip report, Christy! Now it sounds like our group was having trouble on the flight out. 
