Canadian Buffoon's Hi Low Vacation - South Central Musings

[Thumper_Man]

Sitting by the door catching up on the DIS.
30 more minutes before
we turn the lights off at 9pm.
It's been raining here all night,
so numbers are down a little.
So far (and I only anticipate
another handful of kids, if any)
we gave out candy to 115 kids.

How was it in your neighborhood?

We were down about 100 kids this year compared to last year. Final count: 138 kids. No we didn't count every kid. We counted what we had left. Lady H and my MIL like to put together little bags to hand out. We started the night with 300. We have 162 left. That's way too much candy left. We live in a HOA neighborhood and they have a FB page. Lady H was reading the posts on there and some of the posts stated that the older kids felt discouraged to go out this year. There had been recent car break-ins by teenagers. You know how the old saying goes about rotten apples turning to mush or something like that. Anyways the good kids said so many adults were already looking at them like they were doing something wrong, or about to do something wrong. Kids felt uncomfortable and scrutinized so they stopped trick or treating, or just plain out didn't feel like going. They didn't want to be judged or uncomfortable. Lady and I noticed there were fewer older kids this year. We would get a wave of teenagers during the later hours and this year we just didn't get many. Older kids we would usually give out a little more to. Anyways, we pushed it til 9:30 pm before we finally called it a night. Getting harder each year to determine how much candy we need. First year in the neighborhood, we ran out in a hour. This year, we could give out candy for a least another day or 2. Some parents are trying to put together a post Halloween event for the older kids that didn't want to go, or the kids that never got a chance to go for some reason or another. I'll be out hunting but Lady H may go out to this event and see if she can help get rid of some of this candy.

 

[Steppesister]

I'm excited to read this, but getting a late start on it tonight. Which gives me something to look forward to tomorrow.

 

[Terra Nova guy]

I was disappointed that I didn't
even get a sucker for it.
They really need to start doing that.

I think a Mickey bar would be perfectly acceptable.

Oh, the horror.

Are we saying “Oh, the horror” for bonus points again? No? Bonus points for remembering we said “oh, the horror” for bonus points on your last TR?

I shaved, (my legs looked great!)

I hope you used a suitably fruity scented body lotion afterwards.

showered and did all the other things

And we all breathe a sigh of relief that no further description of “the other things” was included. There’s only so much detail we enjoy reading…

I actually have never seen it.
I did see the original Universe of Energy
about 150 years ago.

I saw the original when I was 9, but I only remember the dinosaur part. I also saw the Ellen version I think on a trip in 2000 with an ex, and let’s just say there’s not much memorable about that ride, although that fact that I’ve tried to erase “those years” from memory probably didn’t help.

I'm Canadian.
I obey the rules.

It is one of our traits than sometimes works against us.

Next time, ask for the top row...
and the middle section.
Maybe if you see it dead center,
the flaws won't be so noticeable.
Because, otherwise, they're
really distracting.

Sadly, this is the most common complaint I’ve read about the new Soarin’ without a g. I’ve also read that row B1 is the one to ask for. I need to keep that in mind when I get there again.

If I'd been wearing a hat,
I would've tipped it at the
lack of one in this picture.

Wait... I was! And I did!

Much better Disney.
Much.

Agreed. I’ve not seen hatless Chinese theater yet in person, but I like the pictures.

I wonder if they'll change this to
a Marvel themed one here too.
I guess if you have a good ride
the thing to do is go and ruin it.

If you read any rumours, there’s one for just about every ride in DHS and Epcot that says Marvel/Guardians is taking over that ride. OK, well maybe not every ride, but I’ve read them for ToT, RnRC, Universe of Energy, and (perhaps most shocking of all) Spaceship Earth. I guess bottom line is – they’re coming, just don’t know where or when.

Somewhere between the
RNRC gift shop and home,
the picks went missing.
She was not a happy girl.

So I took out a second mortgage
on the house and bought
five of them (one of each colour.)

Well done. Expensive guitar picks – most likely. Worth it – definitely.

Every time (which, granted
is not all that often) I hope
that I'll be chosen to be
the rebel spy.

My wife has ridden it three times. The first two (on separate trips, mind you) she was the rebel spy both times! Not fair! And she’s never even seen a Star Wars film in its entirety!

I left $7.50 and a note
saying he'd made my day.
And he had!

Sounds like great service. I’ve done 50’s three trips in a row. The food was consistent each time, but I found the service went downhill each time, to the point where I’ll probably take a break from it. Good to know there’s still some good servers around though.

 

[afwdwfan]

Wait time, one minute.
Total wait time to date 27 minutes.

You suck.

Eventually it did and we all rushed to....
a rope barring our way.

I hate when they do that.
I'm in the park. Let me play!

I know!

What with Epcot hosting The Circle of Life,
might as well demonstrate
survival of the fittest, am I right?

Coincidentally, that's exactly what everyone is rushing to see!

I actually have never seen it.
I did see the original Universe of Energy
about 150 years ago.
I don't remember much.
But I think I'm good with that.
I'll probably never see Ellen.
Maybe if it's still around
when I'm old (older) and need a nap.

It is an excellent place for a nap. And you're not missing much.

Besides I knew it was a load of crap because it isn't even open during EMH!

Even with walking at an abnormally
fast pace, there were some
who sped by me.
I'm Canadian.

So you're saying Canadians are slow?

Wait! They're CGI!!! What the hell??

What? Fake bears? What's next? Are you gonna tell me that polar bears don't even like to drink Coke?

At this rate I'm beginning to question whether polar bears even truly exist? It's a conspiracy!!!!!

Sorry Disney, but I really don't think
you've improved the ride all that much.

I haven't ridden it yet... but I've seen a lot of similar reviews.

I'll give it a chance, but I'll be completely honest. I'd ride Soarin' once a trip with FP. I sure as hell wouldn't stand in line to wait for it. I would for other rides. But Soarin never really impressed me as much as it seems it was supposed to. I enjoyed it but the whole disjointed element where you're flying over mountains... oh wait a minute I just blinked and now it is a golf course... well, it just kind of ruined the entire illusion for me of what that ride was supposed to be... if that makes sense. I enjoyed it, but I just never saw it as being the greatest ride ever. I was really looking forward to the refurb and hoped it would make it more streamlined with better transitions.

There was a CM just outside The Land
so I asked her.
"Can I get to the Boardwalk
by going through WS?" I asked.
She looked at me and said.
"Do you know when WS opens?"
"Eleven o'clock." I replied.
"So then you can't." She said.

Probably not quite what Walt envisioned.
You're supposed to find out.
But that requires effort.
A lot easier to just guess
and hope for the best.
Or not care at all.

You make a very good point...

I'm glad you finally found a CM who could confirm what you seemingly already knew.

If I'd been wearing a hat,
I would've tipped it at the
lack of one in this picture.

I pondered the folly of my
choice as I rode.

What happened to all the people in the back row?????

I wonder if they'll change this to
a Marvel themed one here too.
I guess if you have a good ride
the thing to do is go and ruin it.

I hope this one is safe. I think changing the one in DCA makes a lot of sense, but I hope this one stays as it is. This is "the" Tower of Terror, the one in DCA was just a rush job that fell a little bit short of the awesomeness of this one. A re-theme makes sense there.

You know, it's funny.
I don't know how many times
I've walked under that,
but I never noticed
1. That it's the guitar head
and tuning pegs. And;
2. The car is curved.

You're pretty observant.

I figured it would be a good time
to pop into the Launch Bay
and check that out.

I noted the exorbitant prices
on some of the memorabilia,
shook my head in amazement and left.

I'm even a Star Wars fan and that was pretty much my reaction to it too!

The guy I was riding with turned out
to be a real jerk, though.
I mean he was nice and friendly,
but he beat my score
so I immediately hated him.

I didn't think Canadians had it in their DNA to hate?

Easily the biggest server
I've ever had.

And one of the best.

Well, if he's a big he should know a thing or 2 about food.

I left $7.50 and a note
saying he'd made my day.
And he had!

Awesome! I'm glad the onion rings and the service lived up to and exceeded your standards!

Wait.....
Dang it!
I don't have it because I sent
that off to the resort too!

You're losing your mind!

"Do you know when the next
ASMu bus is coming?" I asked.
Yes.
I know.
I actually asked a bus driver
for information.



Desperate times...
He told me that one would be coming
"any minute".

Didn't you already establish the fact that if a CM doesn't know the answer they just make it up? Will you ever learn?

I quick-walked/jogged to the bus stop,
arriving at 1:34pm.
My ADR was for 2pm.
Tight.

Easy peasy! You have the VIP package, right?

But I kept checking.
And then, on September 6th,
(a little over a week before departure)
at 6:00pm, a spot opened.
I didn't hesitate this time.
I grabbed it.

I thought you said it was 2 pm? Are you trying to go all non-chronological like @Steppesister now?

Would I do this again? No.
Was I glad I did it?
If I hadn't been killing time,
I might have been annoyed at
the time I'd wasted.
But otherwise, it was... okay.

Well that's a ringing endorsement if ever I've seen one!

I put up with it, knowing that
they couldn't talk underwater.

And if they tried... problem solved.

"The rays get mani/pedis. Some places
remove them surgically, but I think that's barbaric."


I'm going to wait, while you think about that.


I don't think the two young kids got it,
but I cracked up.

He's punny!

Hey, @pkondz , I found your dive buddy!

I got to the bus stop at 9:33pm.

Besides, if I hadn't boogied,
I would've missed the bus
that arrived at 9:35pm.

Five minute wait.

Ok... Let's do some math...
9:33
+5 minutes
=9:35



Is there some kind of time warp I'm missing?
Do Canadian clocks work differently?
Are you still stuck in the Twilight Zone?

Remember how I kept the Harley Davidson
poker chip so it wouldn't get lost?

Well, that backfired spectacularly!

1. The usual... what time do I get up?

6:45

2. How long do I wait for that first bus?

9 minutes

2. Which park do I visit?
Hint: It's Magic Kingdom.

I'll go out on a limb and guess Magic Kingdom

3. Do I go through the metal detector again?

no

4. What's my first ride.
Hint: Think a little deeper. Outside the box a little.

Jungle Cruise

5. Why yes, I do have a lunch ADR.
And it's in the park! Guesses?

Be Our Guest

6. I try a new-to-me ice cream treat.
What is it?

Mickey Mouse Ice cream bar

7. What ride do I FP... but don't use it.

Space

8. What ride do I FP... and use.
Hint: I know what I said. Read it again.

7DMT

Bonus: Did you see it? You did, didn't you?
I mean it was really obvious.
Be vaguely vague in your specificity.

Now producing our very own in flight entertainment!

And if you tell me when you noticed
I'll throw you a few more points.
Sometimes the obvious ones
are overlooked at first.

Actually saw it right away. It was very well done though! Looks exactly like it has always been there!

 

[Steppesister]

thought you said it was 2 pm? Are you trying to go all non-chronological like @Steppesister now?

Only people who forget their shoes are allowed to be dumb enough to go out of order....

 

[fallonkendra]

Questions, next round:
1. The usual... what time do I get up?

2. How long do I wait for that first bus?

2. Which park do I visit?
Hint: It's Magic Kingdom.

3. Do I go through the metal detector again?

4. What's my first ride.
Hint: Think a little deeper. Outside the box a little.

5. Why yes, I do have a lunch ADR.
And it's in the park! Guesses?

6. I try a new-to-me ice cream treat.
What is it?

7. What ride do I FP... but don't use it.

8. What ride do I FP... and use.
Hint: I know what I said. Read it again.

Bonus: Did you see it? You did, didn't you?
I mean it was really obvious.
Be vaguely vague in your specificity.

And if you tell me when you noticed
I'll throw you a few more points.
Sometimes the obvious ones
are overlooked at first.

1. I'll stick with 7:00am, it got me a few points last time

2. 4 minutes

2.0. I'll go with Magic Kingdom?

3. Of course. You're a grown man going to the parks without any children - you are being profiled.

4. Deep? As in Under the Sea with Ariel kind of deep? Or just not your standard first ride?? Either way, I'll go with the Little Mermaid Ride since I'm fairly certain she is your favourite princess.

5. Liberty Tree Tavern for Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake.

6. Mickey Pants Sundae!

7. Space Mountain, it wouldn't have gone well after that Mickey Pants sundae!

8. I'm going to go away from the norm, and pick Dumbo.

Bonus: You need to go back to kindergarten to learn to count your questions. Also, that movie studio are the people behind some of my favourite movies about Jets and Blue Bombers.

Bonus Part 2: Like, what time? Because it was 11:46pm Alberta time. If you're asking if I had to go back to find it, I noticed the photoshopping right away - I am a certified inspector after all, it's my actual job to find mistakes that other people make! Also the numbering mistake, picked up on that as soon as I started answering the questions.

 

[Terra Nova guy]

For once, my VIP transportation
package failed me.
It took an eternity for the bus to come.
Hours! Days! Weeks!
It finally arrived at 1:44.
Ten freaking minutes!
Are you kidding me?!?!?

Well that’s just crazy. I’d be asking for my money back!

"I have a reservation for pkondz,
so in your face!... Wench! Fetch my table!"

That works.
I should try it.

Sure, why not. I’ll bet you get the “special sauce” on your ice cream then….

I really, really wanted another No Way José.
But... well, I knew I wouldn't come close
to finishing it.
And... it would be fun to try something new.

Banana split it is.

No Way Jose is awesome, but yes, very filling. Nothing wrong with a good, solid banana split.

Would I do this again? No.
Was I glad I did it?
If I hadn't been killing time,
I might have been annoyed at
the time I'd wasted.
But otherwise, it was... okay.

I’ve never done Colortopia, but that’s pretty much how I feel about it just by reading the description.

so I didn't want to bore you with...

Oh please, when has that ever stopped you...

The rooms were labeled
"Chemistry" and "Husbandry".

Now I’m wondering why these rooms are labelled like that and what actually goes on inside. All related to caring for animals I suppose. I guess chemistry is all the additives they put in the food and/or water. I’ve heard the term husbandry before, I just can’t think what specifically they would do in that room. (Google says it may be related to breeding. Perhaps I’d rather not know.)

I don't think the two young kids got it,
but I cracked up.

Millenials

I'm still a little surprised
that I didn't shoot for the surface
with a brown stream trailing behind me.

Had it been me, there definitely would have been more colours trailing behind me!

There were people near the window,
but kids farther back would be waving
like crazy, too.
I tried to wave to all of them.
I'd then swim upwards and around
to the observation areas and play
patty cake with kids and pose for photos.
I did this several times.

I just love doing that.
I totally get why people want to work there.
Interacting with the guests is the best.

That does sound like a lot of fun. I can see why you did the tour again.

My next stop was Farm Fresh
where I tried the Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese
(with Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese,
Peppers and Green Onions)

That’s the one I would have liked to try. Mac & cheese and bacon, how can that be bad.

"OMG! OMG! OMG! IT'S KATIE!!!"

It was so good to see her!
Katie introduced me to Jamie
and we just started chatting
like long lost friends.
I don't know about her,
but as far as I was concerned,
it was wonderful meeting them.

That must have been awesome. She seems like a lovely person, just from reading her TRs. She’s been rather absent from the boards since her trip, so I hope she’s doing fine.

I got lucky here and noticed during
a lull that the fireworks at DHS (I presume)
were going off.

Just curious, is it from DHS or is it Wishes from MK? I’m pretty bad at figuring out where things are in the bigger WDW picture. I know each individual park without a map, but what’s outside in relation to that park, I’m hopeless.

Questions, next round:
1. The usual... what time do I get up?

2. How long do I wait for that first bus?

3. Which park do I visit?
Hint: It's Magic Kingdom.

4. Do I go through the metal detector again?

5. What's my first ride.
Hint: Think a little deeper. Outside the box a little.

6. Why yes, I do have a lunch ADR.
And it's in the park! Guesses?

7. I try a new-to-me ice cream treat.
What is it?

8. What ride do I FP... but don't use it.

9. What ride do I FP... and use.
Hint: I know what I said. Read it again.

Bonus: Did you see it? You did, didn't you?
I mean it was really obvious.
Be vaguely vague in your specificity.

And if you tell me when you noticed
I'll throw you a few more points.
Sometimes the obvious ones
are overlooked at first.

1. 6:50am
2. 7 minutes
3. AK...no, no...DHS...no, no, wait, Magic Kingdom. Yep, that's it for sure, MK.
4. Yes (they always pick out the shifty looking guys)
5. one of the Main Street vehicles (horse & buggy?). (Are we calling that a ride? Too far outside the box? Oh well...)
6. The Plaza
7. Ice cream cookie sandwich
8. 7DMT (it was raining or broken down)
9. Buzz Lightyear

Bonus: So, instead of a dancing lamp, does a Harley drive out during the opening credits?
And I did see it right away. Nice job.

 

[Steppesister]

Just before I get to the shout-outs,
there's something I need to say
to a few people.
(You know who you are.)
I'm concentrating right now
on getting out the next update
as well as maintenance
(i.e. replies) on my TR.

I have six TRs that I need to get to,
but they're going to have to wait.

But I will get there eventually.

I hope my nudge didn't come across as that the other day! Not intended that way at all. I know how much effort it takes to host a busy thread and I hope you always feel you have the freedom to do that well. We can only go at the pace we have time for, and sometimes that is... less.

On a similar note, as you know, traveling to a very important engagement, er wedding, tomorrow! I'm intentionally saving your massive saga for some reading during some downtime this weekend if any comes available. Otherwise, after I return.

Oh please, when has that ever stopped you...

 

[orangecats2]

Yay! new chapter! Can't believe you did the whole day!
I'll have to go with you to 50's PTC, DH didn't like it.
DH makes me go on Ellen every time just so he can see the dinosaurs.
I can't believe you got to go scuba diving again! Lucky!

orangecats2 - No, 6:30, Epcot, 2, 2, 10:00, walk, B&C, bunny, saw it, eye - 42 points (high score!)

Yes!

orangecats2 - 85 points

FIRST PLACE!!!

I saw Ponzi Place right away!!!
I'll come back later with the other guesses.

I'm watching game 7 of the World Series. I don't think we're going to win.

 

[rndmr2]

Fun Update!

Sorry your experience on Soarin wasn't that great, I have heard the same from others too. Disappointing.

We go on Ellen just about every trip. I like her so it is entertaining to me but it's also a nice break in the A/C if you are there on a Really Hot, sticky day. I remember the old one too and I do miss some parts- those revolving screens were cool and I liked the 2 songs.

Love the ride pics! I can't do TOT, I went on it once under semi- duress (My Teenage niece wanted to go and didn't want to go alone, I didn't want her to go alone either) but never again, I don't like that dropping feeling. I have never done RnRC, not a fan of upside down. I have been told that you can't totally tell what you are doing in the dark but it still makes me nervous (I might be able to be talked into it someday but seeing as how my DH Hates Coasters, unless we go with others it probably won't happen)

Great that you got a fun waiter at 50's PT, That place is on my list to try someday.

Love that you went to Beaches and Cream, I would like to go there too, but to try that No Way Jose! I LOVE Peanut butter/chocolate in a sundae!

The Dive tour sounds fun, I have been scuba diving before but I'm not certified. That shark was scary, those TEETH!

Questions, next round:
1. The usual... what time do I get up?---------7:30am

2. How long do I wait for that first bus?------3 minutes

3. Which park do I visit?-------------Ummm... MK
Hint: It's Magic Kingdom.

4. Do I go through the metal detector again?-------------------yes

5. What's my first ride.
Hint: Think a little deeper. Outside the box a little.--------------------the Monorail

6. Why yes, I do have a lunch ADR.
And it's in the park! Guesses?----------------------Liberty Tree Tavern

7. I try a new-to-me ice cream treat.
What is it?------------------------------------The Mickey Pants Sundae

8. What ride do I FP... but don't use it.------------------Buzz

9. What ride do I FP... and use.-----------------------Space Mountain
Hint: I know what I said. Read it again.

Bonus: Did you see it? You did, didn't you?---yes I did, Wow First an airline, now a Movie studio?!
I mean it was really obvious.
Be vaguely vague in your specificity.

And if you tell me when you noticed
I'll throw you a few more points.
Sometimes the obvious ones
are overlooked at first. ----------------I actually saw it right away

I worked on Halloween so I didn't get to give out candy and DH is not a fan of Halloween for some reason so we had our light off but we usually only get about 30-50 kids. My Dad in Philly gets about 100 or so kids every year. They do have a lot of kids from other areas of the city to come to his neighborhood to trick or Treat, not necessarily for better candy, but that it's a safer neighborhood to do it in that where these kids live.

 

[cinderkelly]

Whew, lots to quote and comment on, as Arnold once said " I'll be back"

Just wanted to tell you a very belated Happy Birthday! Sorry I've been on the slacker train lately, you know real life gets in the way is DIS time sometimes

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Something... some... thing...
had woken me.

I had this uncanny feeling
that I wasn't alone in my room.

OMG! A horrible beast
stood in front of me!
It's arms raised in a
threatening gesture
and it's ugly face a....

Wait.

Stupid mirror.

Why do they even put those in hotel rooms?

I shaved, (my legs looked great!)

Um, no pictures, please.
We’ll take your word for it.

The bus eventually arrived at Epcot
and barfed out its passengers.

At the allocated time
(8am. Morning Extra Magic Hours today)
they release you and let
the children and elderly
get trampled underfoot.

I'm Canadian.
I obey the rules.

So that’s the problem… I’m actually Canadian!
That’s why I’m forever getting bashed by folks that don’t care squat for rules.
Got’a tell ya’, that’s dang inconvenient.

I now know what to ask for next time.

To not see the bent tower or the crocked Matterhorn, I’ll bet.
That was a bit of a surprise for us as well.

Surely there'll be signs, right?

Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit calling you Shirley.

But... WS doesn't open til 11:00.
Can I go through WS to get to
the International Gateway?

Yep… that opens when the park does.
But that’s not important right now.


Or maybe it is?

The first one said to
the second one there.
"I hope you're having fun."

Well another rule is
"Never tell a guest 'you don't know'."

If so… That’s a bad rule.

Whoa.
Gettin' off topic real quick here.

There’s a topic?


When did that happen?

If I'd been wearing a hat,
I would've tipped it at the
lack of one in this picture.

Wait... I was! And I did!

This should be a mandatory tradition from here on.

I pondered the folly of my
choice as I rode.

Don’t believe I’ve ever seen a half empty elevator at the Hollywood Hotel before

This may surprise some of you.
But many of Disney's attractions
have gift shops nearby.

I am shocked! Shocked, I tell you to find that commerce is going on in here.

Can you say dehydration?

I knew you could.

Do I have to change my shoes and put on a sweater first?

You know, it's funny.
I don't know how many times
I've walked under that,
but I never noticed
1. That it's the guitar head
and tuning pegs.

Caught that one right off…

And;
2. The car is curved.

Now, that one…
That I missed.

So I took out a second mortgage
on the house and bought
five of them (one of each colour.)

You’re a good Poppa.
Now don’t be losing them.

The ride was fun.
We dove inside a large derelict
ship that was being salvaged
and got stuck for a bit.
(We sat tilted at an angle for
a few seconds. It was hilarious.)

We saw that middle part a couple times as well.
Got different beginnings and endings but the same bit in the middle.

This place is a Star Wars nerd's dream!

That it is.

I like the movies well enough.
Well... some of them...

And that pretty much applies to many of us.
I’ve grown out of them somewhat.
The first one will always be one of the better “westerns” I’ve seen, but a recent viewing had me noticing things that weren’t aging as well as I’d remembered.

Lots of whining for one thing.
More noticeable now than when I was a “kid”

we were facing each other
and the wife lifts the camera
to take a picture.
I immediately lean way over
towards my co-rider
and give her a big silly grin.
She bursts out laughing
and takes the picture.

Excellent…
They’ll have no clue who the loony was, but they’ll remember the moment.

After making my self-preservationist purchase,

Is there a better kind of purchase?

Yeah, yeah.
I did say my ADR was outside
the park.
But I didn't say that I only made one.
The other one is elsewhere.

I can tell now that I sould’a picked a spot that was a snack rather than a meal.
Oh well…

He pulled out the chair opposite me
and recited a little poem
outlining the rules of the house.
(As soon as he said "rules"
I quickly pulled my elbows off the table.)

I really wish I'd recorded him,

So do we…

Now I'm not a huge fan of onion rings.
Sometimes I feel like some
and am usually disappointed.
But these. These were amazing!
I may have to make another trip
to 50s just for those rings.

Hummmm…
Will have to keep that in mind and see how they compare to “The Barbeque King”
Those are my personal gold standard.

I left $7.50 and a note
saying he'd made my day.
And he had!

Generous…
And the note probably made his day as well.

I headed out and figured
it was about time to skedaddle.

“The Great Skedaddle”
Let’s see if anyone googles or actually knows about that one.

Wait. Did I get Ruby's shirt?
Or had I just looked at it?
I did, didn't I?

Starting to suffer from Ol’ Timer’s Disease I see.

I actually asked a bus driver
for information.



Desperate times...

Well, you can be pretty sure that whatever they say, it’ll be wrong. Given that…
stick to yes-no questions, and your good to go.

He told me that one would be coming
"any minute".

Lot of wiggle room in that answer.

Seven hours later,
or maybe it was less than a minute.


No, pretty sure it was seven hours.

Same thing…

"Hi! I have a reservation for pkondz?"

“Up speak”…
It’s taking over the continent.

"I have a reservation for pkondz,
so in your face!... Wench! Fetch my table!"

If they ever open up a POTC themed restaurant you may be required to do it that way before they’ll even consider seating you.

The wench handed me a buzzer
and told me it would be a few minutes.

Imagine that…

I never did see an opening
for the dessert party though.
Ah well.

Have done that one twice…
It’s Ok…
But not a necessary must do.

Mine! All mine! Mine!!!!
HANDS OFF!!!!

"Step right up folks!
Take a chance and see
if you can ring the bell!"

Love the prize, too.
They let you in the park.

Not if you ring the bell…

I'd heard very little about Colortopia,
other than it was a minor diversion.

Didn’t see that one…
Actually, we didn’t bother with anything in Inoventions this time around.

You want to know about the tour?

like we really could stop you…

I don't mind a good story.
Too bad his... weren't.

Almost as bad as having to share a TSMM ride with a stranger.
And getting beaten by said stranger.

Keenan pointed to two rooms and said
"This is where I failed at love and failed at relationships."
The rooms were labeled "Chemistry" and "Husbandry".

I like this guy…

Keenan told us that the barbs are trimmed.
"The rays get mani/pedis. Some places
remove them surgically, but I think that's barbaric."

They didn't want to rescue us while
a playful dolphin grabbed
a regulator hose or pressure gauge.

They’re just trying to get our attention.
They keep telling us there’s a construction project coming through here…
And we just keep on ignoring all their warnings.

"Okay." The dive master said. "So you,"
nods at me. 'Will be with them?"

What? Who? With who? What?

Where’s that pulling one’s hair out smiley when you need it?

I kid you not,
when I turned my head...
less than an arm's length away...

this is what I saw:

Good thing you didn’t finish that whole banana split earlier…

The dive master kinda looked surprised for a bit,
then signed to me "You okay?" I gave him a nod
and an "okay" sign.
He indicated that I should just go off on my own.

For the Win!

I spent the next 30 - 35 minutes doing what
I'd been waiting for…

Interacting with Disney guests.

I bet you made some great memories for a bunch of other guests.
Disney ought to be paying you.

Hummmm…
Maybe there’s the perfect job for you down there.

The turtle was.... exactly like Crush.

Probably stoned.

Righteous!

The turtle finished getting air
and started to majestically glide
effortlessly through the water...

That’s Mr Turtle.
Oh, wait… That’s his dad.
Never mind.

until it effortlessly glided head first
right into a pier that was jutting out
into the water.

<bonk>

Yep…
Totally stoned…

I burst out laughing!
(No easy feat when you're breathing
through a regulator.)

I was just about to ask about that.

The dive master just sadly shook his head.

I had a storm trooper do that at me over at DHS a couple days later.
At least it wasn’t because I’d whacked my head on a pier though.

I very nonchalantly said.
"Hi Katie."

I said it nonchalantly,
but on the inside I was:

"OMG! OMG! OMG! IT'S KATIE!!!"

And on the inside she was like

"OMG! OMG! OMG! HOW DO I GET OUT OF HERE!!!"

That one’s particularly purr-ty

Talk about rubbing salt in the wound!

Ehhh… once you get past the pain that actually speeds the healing.

I zipped and dodged and darted
through the crowd.

Remember how I kept the Harley Davidson
poker chip so it wouldn't get lost?

Well, that backfired spectacularly!

And now for the random guesses for questions I can’t answer…

1. 6:30
2. 4-Min
The other 2. Hummmm… tough one… Ummmmm, let’s go with: MK
3. Yes (If you get there early, there are fewer folks to randomly choose form, so odds are you did)
4. Space Ranger Spin
5. The Plaza
6. Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich
7. Under the Sea
8. Jungle Cruse

Bonus:

Branching out from aircraft to movie mogul, I see.

And if you tell me when you noticed…

Saw that one right off the bat.
Was hard to miss

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Either way, I was only in my
pajamas and it was going to be
embarrassing.

Well, it still could have been worse.

Stupid mirror.

I hate mirrors. They don't lie to you.

"Would you mind going through
extra security please?"

Yes. Yes, I would, actually. I wonder if anyone refuses?

At the allocated time
(8am. Morning Extra Magic Hours today)
they release you and let
the children and elderly
get trampled underfoot.

Makes sense.
What with Epcot hosting The Circle of Life,
might as well demonstrate
survival of the fittest, am I right?

Epcot hosts the future! The best of humanity! And apparently the worst of humanity as well.

I made a bee line for
Ellen's Energy Adventure.

Man, between you and Andy, I'm getting a lot of sentences I've never, ever seen before.

I'll probably never see Ellen.
Maybe if it's still around
when I'm old (older) and need a nap.

Hey, it IS air-conditioned.

I'm Canadian.
I obey the rules.
I didn't run.
So I didn't get on the very first show.
But I was about fifth in line for the second.
That'll work.

Not too shabby.

Real bears don't do that...
Trust me. I know.

Wait! They're CGI!!! What the hell??

Aw, come on! Can't Disney spring for real polar bears?

Note to self.
Next time, ask for the top row...
and the middle section.
Maybe if you see it dead center,
the flaws won't be so noticeable.
Because, otherwise, they're
really distracting.

Interesting. I think that's the first slightly negative review I've heard of the new ride. I'll have to remember this when I see it for the first time in...2018? 2019?

Surely there'll be signs, right?

Surely you can't be serious.

I know where to go.
(Do not tell me where to go!)

Aw...but it would be fun!

Well, surely you can?

Of course I can. And stop calling me Shirley.

"Do you know when WS opens?"
"Eleven o'clock." I replied.
"So then you can't." She said.

Same time as the 3:00 parade, then.

She just looked questioningly
at the second one, who said.
"Of course you can."

Wait, what the....

See I think this is an underlying
issue with Disney CMs.
You know how they have rules
like never point with one finger?
Well another rule is
"Never tell a guest 'you don't know'."

Now that, I didn't know.

Probably not quite what Walt envisioned.
You're supposed to find out.
But that requires effort.
A lot easier to just guess
and hope for the best.
Or not care at all.

Effort? What is this "effort" you speak of?

As I sashayed along the canal,
I noticed several signs
cautioning pedestrians to
keep away from the water.
A visible reminder of a tragic event.

If I'd been wearing a hat,
I would've tipped it at the
lack of one in this picture.

Wait... I was! And I did!

Much better Disney.
Much.

No comparison. So much better.

I really don't know why I do it.
Every single time I come here,
the elevator always breaks.
Every. Single. Time.
I sit there, and the cable breaks
or something and we're falling.
And then they fix it or something.
And then we go back up...
only to have it break again!

Poor maintenance I suspect.

Probably state workers. I can say that, you know.

I pondered the folly of my
choice as I rode.

Nah. You're totally trying to pick your nose there.

I wonder if they'll change this to
a Marvel themed one here too.
I guess if you have a good ride
the thing to do is go and ruin it.

Ugh. I hope they keep this one. I've heard the one in DCA isn't as well-done, but the Twilight Zone theme is done perfectly here.

After exiting the faulty elevator
(and there was a CM at the exit.
He didn't even apologize.
And he certainly knew something
was wrong.
You couldn't miss the screaming.)

I bet he said, "Thanks for dropping in."

This may surprise some of you.
But many of Disney's attractions
have gift shops nearby.

Can you say dehydration?

Dehydration.

I knew you could.

Then why did you ask?

I was practically giddy with glee!

Giddy, indeed. Giddiness abounds. We are awash in the giddy.

Sorry, I have no idea what I'm talking about.

Somewhere between the
RNRC gift shop and home,
the picks went missing.
She was not a happy girl.

So I took out a second mortgage
on the house and bought
five of them (one of each colour.)

So, slightly less than the cost of the emergency rain ponchos then.

For whatever reason, Kay just loved this light.
Why not? It is kinda cool.

It is. Every little bit of theming is cool.

Star Tours hove into view.
I'm not sure how something
that's stationary can "hove"
anywhere, but...

I'll tell you where to hove...oh, right, you said not to do that.

Every time (which, granted
is not all that often) I hope
that I'll be chosen to be
the rebel spy.
I never am.
And if they keep picking kids...
I'm totally okay with that.
(well... maybe a little jealous.)

I got to be the spy once!

This place is a Star Wars nerd's dream!
There's everything here that any
Star Wars aficionado could possibly want!

So I was kind of bored.

I hear ya. I didn't bother going in there. I really enjoy the movies, but I don't need to memorize every single creature's name.

Just before we started,
we were facing each other
and the wife lifts the camera
to take a picture.
I immediately lean way over
towards my co-rider
and give her a big silly grin.

The guy I was riding with turned out
to be a real jerk, though.
I mean he was nice and friendly,
but he beat my score
so I immediately hated him.


It's a rule.

Truth.

It's just that she always steals
my shirts for sleeping in.
This way, maybe she'll leave mine alone.

Doubtful.

She probably likes the way your shirts smell like you.



Wait, that can't be right. Beats me.

I guess he knew it was hot out,
so without asking, he brought me
two glasses of Vanilla Coke.

Nice work!

Onion rings and a Caesar salad.
It took everything in me to not
order the fried chicken.

You are a stronger man than I. Good call on the onion rings, though.

The Caesar salad was... boring.

No one to blame but yourself there. Some older English dictionaries translate "salad" directly as "boring".

"It's hot out, would you like
a Vanilla Coke to go?"
I was so surprised that he asked
that at first I didn't know what to say.
"That's a yes." He announced,
and brought me a Coke to go.

Good man!

Yes.
I know.
I actually asked a bus driver
for information.

Famous last words.

"There's no bus, but you can get the next hovercraft."

(And I've said this before,
but for those who may have missed it,
I do not wish for poker chips
from stores that I haven't been to.
I like to point to my small,
yet ever growing collection
and say "I've been to all of those!"
So if you were thinking of sending
me one from where you live...
Thank you very much for the thought,
but just tell me that you have a store
near you... and maybe I'll show up
in person to collect! )

Makes sense to me. That's what I do with my pint glasses. Good memories.

Total wait time now: 49 minutes.

Ten minutes... grumble, grumble.

Welcome to my world.

Maybe I need to be more assertive.
"I have a reservation for pkondz,
so in your face!... Wench! Fetch my table!"

That works.
I should try it.

Please do! And document the result. Preferably with video.

Mine! All mine! Mine!!!!
HANDS OFF!!!!

Sorry.

And sorry if you got an electric shock
from licking your screen.

No shock, but it did taste a little dusty. Now there's a big streak right in the middle of the screen, making this view a little blurry. It's right next to the dried snot from when I sneezed four days ago. Too much information?

Good work!

Would I do this again? No.
Was I glad I did it?
If I hadn't been killing time,
I might have been annoyed at
the time I'd wasted.
But otherwise, it was... okay.

I'm gonna go ahead and file this one under "Pass."

You want to know about the tour?
But I've done it before
(and written about it)
so I didn't want to bore you with...

What's that?
You want to know anyway?

Yes! The tours are cool!

Yeah. No. He didn't.
There was this one guy,
a grandfather with his two
grandsons, who was an instructor
and insisted on telling his boring
dive stories.

I don't mind a good story.
Too bad his... weren't.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/26211

As we were touring, Keenan kept
cracking jokes.
I really enjoyed his enthusiasm!

Always a plus in a tour guide.

"This is where I failed at love
and failed at relationships."
The rooms were labeled
"Chemistry" and "Husbandry".

Keenan mentioned that in the wild,
sharks typically eat once a week,
whereas here, they were fed
every second day.
He said they were pretty much overfed.
I found that comforting.
I did not ask if they'd been fed today.
I didn't want to know if they hadn't.


Still. Overfed you say?

Overfed with what? People who pool-hop at resorts? People who bring last year's refillable mug?

Someone asked about the rays
and if they had barbs.
(Everyone remember Steve Irwin?)
Keenan told us that the barbs are trimmed.
"The rays get mani/pedis. Some places
remove them surgically, but I think that's barbaric."


I'm going to wait, while you think about that.


I don't think the two young kids got it,
but I cracked up.

I admit, I had to think about it for a while. The barbs you guys like to trade back and forth.

"I'm diving with my one grandson here
and my other grandson sitting over there."
Then everyone sort of motioned to their partners.
"Okay." The dive master said. "So you,"
nods at me. 'Will be with them?"

What? Who? With who? What?

Sure, but only one of us is coming back up.

I kid you not,
when I turned my head...
less than an arm's length away...

this is what I saw:

Gah!

I'm still a little surprised
that I didn't shoot for the surface
with a brown stream trailing behind me.

That would have been me.

Oh, I did that too, but the best part?
Interacting with Disney guests.

I would start by swimming to the bottom
and visiting the people dining at The Coral Reef.
I'd swim by each window, pausing as people
took photos and waving to the kids
(and kids at heart.)

There were people near the window,
but kids farther back would be waving
like crazy, too.
I tried to wave to all of them.
I'd then swim upwards and around
to the observation areas and play
patty cake with kids and pose for photos.
I did this several times.

I just love doing that.
I totally get why people want to work there.
Interacting with the guests is the best.

I completely understand! I'd be doing the same thing. So much fun!

The turtle finished getting air
and started to majestically glide
effortlessly through the water...
until it effortlessly glided head first
right into a pier that was jutting out
into the water.

<bonk>

... and hauled my butt out of the pool.
I really didn't want it to end,
but all good things...

Guess what? All bad things do, too.

I made a bee-line for Hawaii
and tried the Kalua Pork Slider
(with Sweet and Sour Dole Pineapple Chutney
and Spicy Mayonnaise.)

Sounds pretty tasty!

I tried the Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese
(with Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese,
Peppers and Green Onions)

Also sounds tasty!

Chicken and Dumplings
(Stewed Chicken with Mushrooms and Spinach.)

Mushrooms? Spinach? Pass.

I very nonchalantly said.
"Hi Katie."

I said it nonchalantly,
but on the inside I was:

"OMG! OMG! OMG! IT'S KATIE!!!"

Yes, it was @TheLittleKatie and Jamie!
Katie looked perplexed for a second,
and then recognized me
and without a second's thought
we both reached over and hugged.
It was so good to see her!
Katie introduced me to Jamie
and we just started chatting
like long lost friends.
I don't know about her,
but as far as I was concerned,
it was wonderful meeting them.

Excellent DIS meet!

I was trying different focal lengths
for this show
and unfortunately, I guessed wrong
at what I was going to need.

Now, lucky you, you get to suffer
through a bunch of mediocre
Illuminations photos.
Just be glad I only posted some of them.

They look good to me! Illuminations is a really difficult show to photograph, in my opinion.

Remember how I kept the Harley Davidson
poker chip so it wouldn't get lost?

Well, that backfired spectacularly!

1. The usual... what time do I get up?

You sleep in till 7:00 a.m.

2. How long do I wait for that first bus?

4 minutes.

3. Which park do I visit?
Hint: It's Magic Kingdom.

Um...Uh...Magic Kingdom?

4. Do I go through the metal detector again?

Sure. The guard thinks you look constipated.

5. What's my first ride.
Hint: Think a little deeper. Outside the box a little.

No idea. The horse-dawn carriage on Main St.?

Reminds me of a favorite saying of my old boss: Feel free to think outside the box! But please remain within the Circle of Sanity.

6. Why yes, I do have a lunch ADR.
And it's in the park! Guesses?

Be Our Guest

7. I try a new-to-me ice cream treat.
What is it?

If you passed up a Dole Whip, it was probably the wrong choice. Ice cream sandwich with two cookies as the sandwich?

8. What ride do I FP... but don't use it.

Buzz Lightyear?

9. What ride do I FP... and use.
Hint: I know what I said. Read it again.

No idea what you're going for here. 7 Dwarfs Mine Train.

Bonus: Did you see it? You did, didn't you?
I mean it was really obvious.
Be vaguely vague in your specificity.

I did. And congratulations on your new acquisition! Your road to world domination is opening up plenty of new opportunities.

And if you tell me when you noticed
I'll throw you a few more points.
Sometimes the obvious ones
are overlooked at first.

First time I saw the photo. That one was pretty obvious.

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

WOW! Talk about a day you had there!

I have heard mixed reviews on the new Soarin. It's disappointing when the original was so great.

I hate onion rings and those look good even to me! DANG!

Mmmm. Ice Cream. Delicious. And smart move not overeating considering the tour you were about to take!

The Dive tour sounds like SO much fun. I should have guessed it as I remembered it from your previous report!

And the contest:
1. 7am
2. 3 minutes
3. Magic Kingdom
4. Yes
5. You take the train to the back of the park.
6. Skipper Canteen
7. Is it possible that you have never had a Dole Whip? That seems wrong?
8. Haunted Mansion
9. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Oh My! I actually caught it this time. Like one of the only times ever. AND I didn't have to go back to look. . . I saw it on the first read through. I wouldn't mind seeing a movie with that in the title sequence!

 

[pkondz]

Hi kids!
No, I'm not ignoring you.
As a matter of fact,
I've read (and enjoyed)
all the comments.
Just busy with life
and catching up.

I'll be back to reply soon!

 

[Mac Brew]

Hi Pokndz
Thought I would get in seen it while i remember where I seen it .I seen a sign for Pkondz studios on your update in a photo of the studios sign.

 

[Mac Brew]

Little bit behind but we where quite here for Halloween as well never got one visit this time So like a few on this board will have to force oneself to eat the leftover chocolates.Don't know what the diferance was this year may have been the rain.
Great update lots of good photos.Shame about your poker chip if it don't turn up at least you won't have long until you return so you can get a replacement I believe it's what fathers try do best when they are on vacation without their loved one's they by them lot's of thoughtfull surprise gifts to give on your return .You can never have too much ice cream in a hot climate.It didn't work though didn't get any tast sensation when I liked the screen.
Being from a foreign land I thought the flight over california was good enough old soaring for me.Have not done the new one and looks like unless you get the middle seats it is very badly distorted and not up to Disneys usual standards is it me or is this happening a lot with their new upgrades.I sometimes wonder what avitar land is going to be like.Three years too late,I have seen the film but would have to watch it again before i attended the area just to compare it to the film.

 

[Mrs T 2009]

1. 6:55

2. 3 minutes

3. Magic Kingdom.

4. yes. Still no sucker upon completion
Here's a bunch!!!! ( extra credit points for being a "sucker"?

5. People mover (maybe not quite outside the box, but that's just my thinking because it's one of my absolute favorite rides.)

6. Plaza

7. Mickey pants sundae

8.Buzz.

9. 7DMT

Bonus: now you're "projecting" your projects? are they for in-flight entertainment? straight to video? theater? regardless... awesome

Do you need an exact time? or like, when I was reading it and trying to tell my kids to be quiet and my youngest to quit climbing on me? hahaha!
It was pretty prominent to me...

 

[Mac Brew]

Hello answers coming up

1 06:30 hrs got to meet welcome show.
2 12 mins for the bus
3 Magic Kingdom
4 Yes a single man with a back pack will always be directed to the suspicious looking persons gateway to the world.
5 You hitch a ride on the main street fire engine to the castle.
6 Be our guest for adr
7 Just too many ice cream's to chose from keep it simple Micky bar.
8 Pirotes of the Caribbean
9 Huanted Mansion.

 

[mustinjourney]

Ok... Let's do some math...
9:33
+5 minutes
=9:35



Is there some kind of time warp I'm missing?
Do Canadian clocks work differently?
Are you still stuck in the Twilight Zone?

You gotta factor in the time conversion going from Canadian to US. 2 minutes US time is 5 minutes Canadian.