Stallion
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2005
- Messages
- 82
Hi everyone! Sorry for the delay, hope you enjoy this long winded part.
Day 9 10/16/06
Today was our Backstage Magic tour, and we had to be at Guest Services in Epcot by 9am. After the wake up call, I notice that my throat is feeling a little funny, but I didnt think anything of it and got ready. Again, another perk for staying at the Beach Club, the tour starts and ends in Epcot.
We walk to the International Gateway and see that there are small lines forming, no one is being let in. I see a guest services counter and wait behind a man whos asking all sorts of questions, but I just wanted to know where to go. Finally we decide to tell the guards that we had a tour, and were let in. Its pushing close to 9 by now, and we have to hurry through Epcot. We finally make our way Future World where the rope hasnt dropped yet, so they had to open it up to let us through. Finally we arrive at guest services in the park, but its the wrong one. We have to go to the one on the outside of Epcot, so quickly we walk again. I tell Tracy to wait while I asked the person behind the counter, and he points me to a group huddled by some benches. We arrive at the group and the tour guide says You must be Steve and Tracy. Apparently they were waiting for us to start the tour.
Now I dont remember the tour guides name, but he was really funny and knowledgeable about all things Disney. There was a woman there with him, but she wasnt going on the tour, she said she had tons of paperwork to do. There are about 18 of us, most of couples, with ages varying. After he takes a second head count, he tells us a little bit about Epcot and then we walk into the park. We start at Future World and then make our way backstage through a side door. Sorry, no cameras.
We jump on a charter bus and drive around until we stop behind The Living Seas(Now The Seas with Nemo and Friends). He tells us a little bit about the backstage and what goes on. Its really amazing to see how close each pavilion is to each other. After a few more facts, we jump back on the bus to the American Adventure. Its a tiny side road behind Epcot for service trucks and what not, nothing too exciting.
We arrive at the AA and walk in the backdoor to the show. Now, its not operating at this time, since World Showcase doesnt open until 11. We walk down some stairs into a pit of sorts to see a giant contraption with animatronics inside. I had never seen this show before, so I didnt know what I was looking at. The tour guide goes through and describes that were now under the stage. Above us is the large screen, which if I remember correctly is the largest rear screen projector in the nation. If the reel breaks, its going to take a LONG time to replace it. The show is all run by time code. There are people working inside to replace clothing off the characters, clean them up and what not. Why do they do this, you ask? Because sometimes the hydraulic fluid leaks or bleeds. After they are all cleaned up, the show is ready to start, but not with us in the building. For the show, they shut off all the lights so its pitch black. If for some reason someone needs to get in back, there are glow in the dark footprints so the workers dont accidentally walk into the moving contraption. That machine, makes no sound whatsoever, its very quiet. And all of this is controlled by one button. The show has to start at a certain time, so after everyone is in and seated, the CM simply hits one button and the show begins. What if it doesnt work? I ask. The workers then have to see what they can do to fix the problem right then and there. Their job is to now get it working for the later shows and sometimes this doesnt always work.
We then walk back outside where there are grounds crew doing gardening and watering with trucks everywhere, but since World Showcase doesnt open for another hour, crews have enough time to get things ready. Why doesnt it open until 11? Because no one ever ventured past future world until after 11, so it made sense.
While outside the AA, he explained that the building itself is much bigger, and is painted to look like its only three stories tall. He had the tallest person in our group stand right up against the building and you can clearly see the height difference. Its all about perception and Disney does a great job.
Heres a picture of him that I found online. This isnt from our tour, but its the same guy. Anyone know his name?
After a few more facts, we all board the bus towards the Epcot CM building in the park. The hallways are painted with all sorts of Disney characters and scenes, painted by each department. This was amazing, its a shame we walked through it so fast and couldnt take any pictures. We were shown the big room where the CMs get their uniforms for the day. They had ALL the clothes for every part of Epcot. We were then lead to the makeup room, where the princesses get their makeup for the day. There was a Jasmine, a Belle and an Ariel. Our tour guide has a thing for redheads, so he was getting a little flustered.
We head back to the bus and my throat is really starting to kill me.
Luckily there was a cooler with water so I was able to keep myself hydrated. I hate getting sick, especially a sore throat. And while Im on my honeymoon! I wasnt going to let it get to me. We then head to another building that does some costuming, from what we remember. The lady at the front desk had to announce that we were there, in case someone was trying on an outfit. We see several outfits and talk to a Russian woman who is drawing an outfit on her computer. She then takes out Beasts parade jacket which was unbelievably heavy. You should see the detail thats put into this thing, it was really awesome. A few questions from the group and were off again.
The tour guide tells the bus driver that were going to stop at the Disney Florist. One of the first things he does is take us to the fridge that houses all the flowers and he just kept talking and talking and we were freezing! We then walked through the assembly line of people putting together baskets and flowers for the golf classic that was going on the following week. Any basket of chocolates or flowers or stuffed animals comes from this area. It was really neat to see everything laid out and everything being put together.
Next stop was MGM. We drove in the back near ToT and a security guard had to come on and check our bags first. We then parked behind where the Narnia attraction was. It was time for lunch at Mama Melrose, so we walked into the park using a side entrance close to Honey I Shrunk the Kids. The walk was short and our table was ready in the back of the restaurant. There were two tables and since we were the last two to walk in, the seating at the tables were odd so someone moved so Tracy and I could sit together. Wed never eaten here before and didnt know what to expect, but the food was great. The first course was salad followed by pizza. The people at are people are all very nice and everyone is sharing stories and talking about where their from. The main course arrived and it was good. There was a seafood pasta dish which I could have eaten all by myself, and a dish that had chicken in it. I think there was something else but I cant remember. Lastly came dessert, which consisted of ice cream, cheesecake, and tiramisu. I was pretty full by this point but still had a little
Now that we had a full stomach, it was off to the costuming department. You know when you take the Backlot tour and you drive through into the buildings? This is where we were. All the costumes are layed out here and put together using this huge sowing machine type thing. We didnt get to see it in action, but heard it was cool to watch. All the CMs were sewing various parts of clothing for different characters. We stopped to talk to a woman who was designing the new outfit for Dory in Nemo the Musical for AK. She was waiting on the fabric and looked rather bored, but she was very nice and answered all our questions. Which was all about 2 total, our group was shy. I wanted to stick around and see the it put together, but that was it for MGM.
Hop back on the bus and this time were headed towards Magic Kingdom area. We drive around the GF and the golf course and suddenly theres nothing around but trees and a small road. Our guide explains that there are open areas for those who think theyre lost to turn back around to know whats around, because there are no purple signs saying youre in Disney. We can see the back of some of the buildings as we pass by. Now we end up at a bunch of big warehouses. We pass the train and monorail building and the bus building. I was really excited, because the building we were going into was were attractions are built and restored. Goggles were given as a just in case and we enter into a room that had little things being repainted like doors and a trashcan. Then we head back towards where the animatronics are built and designed. An old bird from the Tiki Room was being used for display and he asked for volunteer and I pushed Tracy right up front The bird moves with air released at certain times, so he had Tracy push a button to make the bird move a different way. The last one just blew air in her face and he said that one is just for fun. She got to control an AA! How cool is that? There was a larger one that had been discontinued, a woman from some attraction with a dog. She was more modern and had all the wirings and fluids to move freely, but he said they wouldnt let us touch that one. I remember walking past some tiny small world heads that were just creepy.
We then walk out to big painting and building room, where some Everest trains were sitting and getting some stuff installed and looked like a RnR car was being refurbed. The coolest one was to see the new Clam mobile for the Nemo attraction. There were a lot of ride vehicles either getting painted or cleaned up. He showed us a machine that if a model was made of something, this machine makes it life size out of foam. That wasnt on either, but still cool to learn about.
Our next building was the Christmas building, which was huge! From floor to ceiling was everything Christmas. Every hotel and park decoration was here and either packed up and ready to go or getting looked at. Since it was 2 months until Christmas, most of the stuff was gone. Boxes and boxes of lights and ornaments were just lying around. This is what these people do year after year. Once Christmas is over, the whole year is spent testing lights, checking bulbs and ornaments and everything dedicated to this holiday. He was disappointed because the train that was going under one of the trees wont move this year. The big trees are put together in pieces, but are of course decorated beforehand. This part of the tour by far the best because we got to see more inner works of Disney and how awesome everything is. This made me really want to work for Disney.
We leave the building and my throat is still killing me but I push on with another water and enjoy the rest of the tour. We drive in behind main street and park. Our tour guide then tells us to remember everything he told us about the characters and rides and how things work just as the parade is starting. We watch the afternoon parade, which wed seen before and tells us to watch what happens after the parade. The poles with the ropes are taken away instantly, sweepers are brought in and the music quickly changes back to the Main Street song. I never noticed it before, but there are speakers in the windows, and they open and close for the parades! It was well orchestrated. Of course you wouldnt notice this normally, just watch the parade and head to your next destination.
He then tells us about all the names on the windows, and Walts is facing the castle by the Plaza Restaurant. A quick bathroom break and its back backstage, this time to the first level of the MK to the mysterious utilidoors. Wed seen these before on the Keys to the Kingdom tour, and it was pretty much the same thing. Both tours are obsessed with trash though! The trash system them have is pretty cool, but we didnt get to hear it. Unfortunately we didnt see any characters out of costume, but we only walked so far. The walls are pained with different colors to let you know what area youre in. This makes it easier for the CMs to walk around. You dont want a CM from Fantasyland walking through Tomorrowland.
Back upstairs and our tour is coming to a close. I cant believe seven hours is up already! Where did the time go? We drove back to Epcot and were dropped off in the bus lot. He thanked us for a great tour and on the way out gave us a really cool pin that has Mickey walking through a mirror. He said if he sees any on Ebay, hell know where they came from.
I was sad the tour was over, but we were pretty tired. I wasnt feeling all that hot and needed a drink so the wife and I decide to take a quick walk around Epcot. Were having a nice dinner at Yachtmens Steakhouse at 7:30 so there was plenty of time.
Up next, Day 9 Part 2!
Day 9 10/16/06
Today was our Backstage Magic tour, and we had to be at Guest Services in Epcot by 9am. After the wake up call, I notice that my throat is feeling a little funny, but I didnt think anything of it and got ready. Again, another perk for staying at the Beach Club, the tour starts and ends in Epcot.
We walk to the International Gateway and see that there are small lines forming, no one is being let in. I see a guest services counter and wait behind a man whos asking all sorts of questions, but I just wanted to know where to go. Finally we decide to tell the guards that we had a tour, and were let in. Its pushing close to 9 by now, and we have to hurry through Epcot. We finally make our way Future World where the rope hasnt dropped yet, so they had to open it up to let us through. Finally we arrive at guest services in the park, but its the wrong one. We have to go to the one on the outside of Epcot, so quickly we walk again. I tell Tracy to wait while I asked the person behind the counter, and he points me to a group huddled by some benches. We arrive at the group and the tour guide says You must be Steve and Tracy. Apparently they were waiting for us to start the tour.
Now I dont remember the tour guides name, but he was really funny and knowledgeable about all things Disney. There was a woman there with him, but she wasnt going on the tour, she said she had tons of paperwork to do. There are about 18 of us, most of couples, with ages varying. After he takes a second head count, he tells us a little bit about Epcot and then we walk into the park. We start at Future World and then make our way backstage through a side door. Sorry, no cameras.
We jump on a charter bus and drive around until we stop behind The Living Seas(Now The Seas with Nemo and Friends). He tells us a little bit about the backstage and what goes on. Its really amazing to see how close each pavilion is to each other. After a few more facts, we jump back on the bus to the American Adventure. Its a tiny side road behind Epcot for service trucks and what not, nothing too exciting.
We arrive at the AA and walk in the backdoor to the show. Now, its not operating at this time, since World Showcase doesnt open until 11. We walk down some stairs into a pit of sorts to see a giant contraption with animatronics inside. I had never seen this show before, so I didnt know what I was looking at. The tour guide goes through and describes that were now under the stage. Above us is the large screen, which if I remember correctly is the largest rear screen projector in the nation. If the reel breaks, its going to take a LONG time to replace it. The show is all run by time code. There are people working inside to replace clothing off the characters, clean them up and what not. Why do they do this, you ask? Because sometimes the hydraulic fluid leaks or bleeds. After they are all cleaned up, the show is ready to start, but not with us in the building. For the show, they shut off all the lights so its pitch black. If for some reason someone needs to get in back, there are glow in the dark footprints so the workers dont accidentally walk into the moving contraption. That machine, makes no sound whatsoever, its very quiet. And all of this is controlled by one button. The show has to start at a certain time, so after everyone is in and seated, the CM simply hits one button and the show begins. What if it doesnt work? I ask. The workers then have to see what they can do to fix the problem right then and there. Their job is to now get it working for the later shows and sometimes this doesnt always work.
We then walk back outside where there are grounds crew doing gardening and watering with trucks everywhere, but since World Showcase doesnt open for another hour, crews have enough time to get things ready. Why doesnt it open until 11? Because no one ever ventured past future world until after 11, so it made sense.
While outside the AA, he explained that the building itself is much bigger, and is painted to look like its only three stories tall. He had the tallest person in our group stand right up against the building and you can clearly see the height difference. Its all about perception and Disney does a great job.
Heres a picture of him that I found online. This isnt from our tour, but its the same guy. Anyone know his name?
After a few more facts, we all board the bus towards the Epcot CM building in the park. The hallways are painted with all sorts of Disney characters and scenes, painted by each department. This was amazing, its a shame we walked through it so fast and couldnt take any pictures. We were shown the big room where the CMs get their uniforms for the day. They had ALL the clothes for every part of Epcot. We were then lead to the makeup room, where the princesses get their makeup for the day. There was a Jasmine, a Belle and an Ariel. Our tour guide has a thing for redheads, so he was getting a little flustered.
We head back to the bus and my throat is really starting to kill me.
Luckily there was a cooler with water so I was able to keep myself hydrated. I hate getting sick, especially a sore throat. And while Im on my honeymoon! I wasnt going to let it get to me. We then head to another building that does some costuming, from what we remember. The lady at the front desk had to announce that we were there, in case someone was trying on an outfit. We see several outfits and talk to a Russian woman who is drawing an outfit on her computer. She then takes out Beasts parade jacket which was unbelievably heavy. You should see the detail thats put into this thing, it was really awesome. A few questions from the group and were off again.The tour guide tells the bus driver that were going to stop at the Disney Florist. One of the first things he does is take us to the fridge that houses all the flowers and he just kept talking and talking and we were freezing! We then walked through the assembly line of people putting together baskets and flowers for the golf classic that was going on the following week. Any basket of chocolates or flowers or stuffed animals comes from this area. It was really neat to see everything laid out and everything being put together.
Next stop was MGM. We drove in the back near ToT and a security guard had to come on and check our bags first. We then parked behind where the Narnia attraction was. It was time for lunch at Mama Melrose, so we walked into the park using a side entrance close to Honey I Shrunk the Kids. The walk was short and our table was ready in the back of the restaurant. There were two tables and since we were the last two to walk in, the seating at the tables were odd so someone moved so Tracy and I could sit together. Wed never eaten here before and didnt know what to expect, but the food was great. The first course was salad followed by pizza. The people at are people are all very nice and everyone is sharing stories and talking about where their from. The main course arrived and it was good. There was a seafood pasta dish which I could have eaten all by myself, and a dish that had chicken in it. I think there was something else but I cant remember. Lastly came dessert, which consisted of ice cream, cheesecake, and tiramisu. I was pretty full by this point but still had a little
Now that we had a full stomach, it was off to the costuming department. You know when you take the Backlot tour and you drive through into the buildings? This is where we were. All the costumes are layed out here and put together using this huge sowing machine type thing. We didnt get to see it in action, but heard it was cool to watch. All the CMs were sewing various parts of clothing for different characters. We stopped to talk to a woman who was designing the new outfit for Dory in Nemo the Musical for AK. She was waiting on the fabric and looked rather bored, but she was very nice and answered all our questions. Which was all about 2 total, our group was shy. I wanted to stick around and see the it put together, but that was it for MGM.
Hop back on the bus and this time were headed towards Magic Kingdom area. We drive around the GF and the golf course and suddenly theres nothing around but trees and a small road. Our guide explains that there are open areas for those who think theyre lost to turn back around to know whats around, because there are no purple signs saying youre in Disney. We can see the back of some of the buildings as we pass by. Now we end up at a bunch of big warehouses. We pass the train and monorail building and the bus building. I was really excited, because the building we were going into was were attractions are built and restored. Goggles were given as a just in case and we enter into a room that had little things being repainted like doors and a trashcan. Then we head back towards where the animatronics are built and designed. An old bird from the Tiki Room was being used for display and he asked for volunteer and I pushed Tracy right up front The bird moves with air released at certain times, so he had Tracy push a button to make the bird move a different way. The last one just blew air in her face and he said that one is just for fun. She got to control an AA! How cool is that? There was a larger one that had been discontinued, a woman from some attraction with a dog. She was more modern and had all the wirings and fluids to move freely, but he said they wouldnt let us touch that one. I remember walking past some tiny small world heads that were just creepy.
We then walk out to big painting and building room, where some Everest trains were sitting and getting some stuff installed and looked like a RnR car was being refurbed. The coolest one was to see the new Clam mobile for the Nemo attraction. There were a lot of ride vehicles either getting painted or cleaned up. He showed us a machine that if a model was made of something, this machine makes it life size out of foam. That wasnt on either, but still cool to learn about.
Our next building was the Christmas building, which was huge! From floor to ceiling was everything Christmas. Every hotel and park decoration was here and either packed up and ready to go or getting looked at. Since it was 2 months until Christmas, most of the stuff was gone. Boxes and boxes of lights and ornaments were just lying around. This is what these people do year after year. Once Christmas is over, the whole year is spent testing lights, checking bulbs and ornaments and everything dedicated to this holiday. He was disappointed because the train that was going under one of the trees wont move this year. The big trees are put together in pieces, but are of course decorated beforehand. This part of the tour by far the best because we got to see more inner works of Disney and how awesome everything is. This made me really want to work for Disney.
We leave the building and my throat is still killing me but I push on with another water and enjoy the rest of the tour. We drive in behind main street and park. Our tour guide then tells us to remember everything he told us about the characters and rides and how things work just as the parade is starting. We watch the afternoon parade, which wed seen before and tells us to watch what happens after the parade. The poles with the ropes are taken away instantly, sweepers are brought in and the music quickly changes back to the Main Street song. I never noticed it before, but there are speakers in the windows, and they open and close for the parades! It was well orchestrated. Of course you wouldnt notice this normally, just watch the parade and head to your next destination.
He then tells us about all the names on the windows, and Walts is facing the castle by the Plaza Restaurant. A quick bathroom break and its back backstage, this time to the first level of the MK to the mysterious utilidoors. Wed seen these before on the Keys to the Kingdom tour, and it was pretty much the same thing. Both tours are obsessed with trash though! The trash system them have is pretty cool, but we didnt get to hear it. Unfortunately we didnt see any characters out of costume, but we only walked so far. The walls are pained with different colors to let you know what area youre in. This makes it easier for the CMs to walk around. You dont want a CM from Fantasyland walking through Tomorrowland.
Back upstairs and our tour is coming to a close. I cant believe seven hours is up already! Where did the time go? We drove back to Epcot and were dropped off in the bus lot. He thanked us for a great tour and on the way out gave us a really cool pin that has Mickey walking through a mirror. He said if he sees any on Ebay, hell know where they came from.
I was sad the tour was over, but we were pretty tired. I wasnt feeling all that hot and needed a drink so the wife and I decide to take a quick walk around Epcot. Were having a nice dinner at Yachtmens Steakhouse at 7:30 so there was plenty of time.
Up next, Day 9 Part 2!
