Episode MMXIV: We Don't Say Goodbye, We Say Kwahirini (updated 2/28)

[Tracy161]

Joining! Better late than never, right?! Going back to catch up now...

 

[khaleesi]

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!! I finally made it to a baseball game today! Usually I've been to at least two or three by now. Buffalo has a AAA team, the Buffalo Bisons. I'm a huge fan, and I'm happy to say that I smiled sweetly and asked nicely and one of the players on the opposing team gave me a baseball

I probably won't be able to update next weekend... for once I actually have a lot going on!! The MS Walk is Saturday morning and I have my big poofy orange tutu all ready to go! YAY!!!!! Later that night I'm going to a friend's cousin's high school play. And then Sunday is finally Beauty and the Beast day!!!! WOOOHOO!!!!!

This past Friday I did something pretty cool... and I'm gonna be a total tease and tell you that if you want to see what it was, you'll have to check out my blog. LOLOLOL. I don't update it very often (mainly because nobody else reads it. Ha). Click here for the link.

Have a great week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love that little slice of heaven in DHS devoted to Star Wars. I always find things I want to purchase in Tatooine Traders and it's a miracle that I don't come out of that store with a shopping cart full of goodies.

As for the Star Tours randomization sequence of scenes go, I'm happy most of the time. The only time combo that gets me a little irked is when I get the pod racing sequence followed by the Naboo. Too much Phantom Menace for me in one ride.

Speaking of Star Wars, I read news yesterday that they assigned one of the top Imagineers to head a project solely devoted to the development of all things Star Wars in the parks.

I saw that about the Imagineer and I am SO EXCITED and HOPEFUL!!!! Got my fingers crossed!!! I'm one of the few who didn't hate the prequels, so even a pod race followed by Naboo would be okay with me. I thought the scenery on Naboo was stunning.

exciting start to the day! Glad you enjoyed the updated Star Tours and got to ride it 3 times!

Man the PP probably really would have had an attitude to you if you had went to sign up for the Jedi Academy

Haha!!! If I *could* sign up, I probably *would* sign up!! I say probably because the possibility exists that my self-consciousness would get in the way!

My first trip on Star Tours I told the woman it was my first time and she sent me to row three. And guess who was the rebel spy!?

(Yes it was me.)

That's awesome that you got to ride so many times in a row, especially something you wanted to do so badly. Do we get to see a better pic of your shirt?

That is SO COOL!!!!! Yay for Force-sensitive pixie dust!!

I think there is a picture where it's clear. If not, I will post a picture of just the shirt!

Awww nice shout out to Becky!! She does write a good blog.

Haha, I was going to say, very few seem to head to Star Tours first thing. Glad that was indeed the case here. Not a bad score on your rides either. For me it's a win if I don't get a Pod Race. Plus, Kashyyyk is my fav. I die when the poor wookie goes splat on the windshield. It's cruel, but oh so funny.

Her blog is my favorite! Nice variety of stuff that is still all Disney related!

LOL. Poor Chewie... at least I think it was Chewbacca and not a random, nameless Wookiee. I don't remember now.

Joining! Better late than never, right?! Going back to catch up now...

Welcome! Nice to have you along for the par-tay!!

 

[teekathepony]

OMG I can't believe you slept all the way to 6:45!! I'm the same.
I love that you won the iron on and put so much thought I to the t-shirt for it, I can't see it very well in the pics, but in my mind it's really cool.
I do love Star Tours but it does make me a little queasy, I could never do it three times in a row! You go girl!
Too bad about the unenthusiastic Photopass photog, but I'm glad you got your picture anyway. I've always wanted to get that pic!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[khaleesi]

OMG I can't believe you slept all the way to 6:45!! I'm the same.
I love that you won the iron on and put so much thought I to the t-shirt for it, I can't see it very well in the pics, but in my mind it's really cool.
I do love Star Tours but it does make me a little queasy, I could never do it three times in a row! You go girl!
Too bad about the unenthusiastic Photopass photog, but I'm glad you got your picture anyway. I've always wanted to get that pic!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

I know, I felt so lazy!! Haha. You're not the first person I've heard say that it makes you feel queasy, so I was a little nervous because I tend to feel that way pretty easily.

Thanks!

 

[khaleesi]

HAPPY STAR WARS DAY!!!!!!!!!​

NASA has a special message for us on this glorious holiday!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5y2F_97FOk​

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5y2F_97FOkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5y2F_97FOk

 

[librarygeek]

I love the new Star Tours! It has a lot of re-ride value especially now that you can get so many different scenes and scenarios. We usually ride it a couple of times when we go! I've been the rebel spy twice now

Love the shirt! I can just imagine how awesome it looks in person!

 

[khaleesi]

I love the new Star Tours! It has a lot of re-ride value especially now that you can get so many different scenes and scenarios. We usually ride it a couple of times when we go! I've been the rebel spy twice now

Love the shirt! I can just imagine how awesome it looks in person!

Yay for being the rebel spy! I guess I just have to go back

It looks amazing.... it's in the wash basket right now. I need to take a picture so everyone can see it better!

 

[khaleesi]

Disney's Beauty and the Beast​

Time for an intermission! I went on Sunday to see the touring production of Beauty and the Beast!!

It was a much needed evening out... I've been kind of gloomy lately. I think I've probably mentioned that my whole family lives in Texas. They've all defected down there at varying times. My sister, her hubby, and two kids were supposed to be moving back here this summer but that is most likely not going to be happening now. I'm so sad and whenever I think of all the stuff I had planned, the tears just start flowing. Because of the heat, I could never ever live there. There's a reason why I go to WDW in February! To make mattesr worse, my brother-in-law's mom doesn't know yet that they aren't coming home, so I had a self-imposed Facebook ban going on so I (or one of my friends who knows about this little situation) didn't inadvertently spill the beans. That didn't last too long. I need my FB. I was really in need of something fun to do, and having it be Disney related was perfect!

The theater where the show was held (Shea's Performing Arts Center) is simply gorgeous. It was opened in 1926, where it showed silent movies. It was foreclosed on for back taxes in the mid-70's and eventually closed. It was later restored and is a National Historic Site. I've been to three other shows here (The Lion King, Jersey Boys, and Rock of Ages) as well as a concert (Daughtry) and a Christmas performance by the Rockettes. Rogers and Hammerstein's version of Cinderella will be playing in December and I would love to go to that!

This is what happens when you don't allow me to take crummy pictures from the balcony. I have someone else take crummy, blurry, cellphone pictures before entering the theater. You can't tell, but I'm wearing a Belle necklace:

I'm kind of channeling Sheldon (that's my spot) AND Game of Thrones. At least I'm smiling and not plotting how to make everyone's life miserable, a la King Joffrey

I bought a program and a pin from the merchandise counter and was very excited to see the official Disney name tag being worn by the people (I guess we'll call them Cast Members!) selling the merch.

Why does that picture make me think of "Pirates of the Caribbean" when I look at it??

If I had known at the time that I was going to this show, I would have taken the time to watch the show at DHS. But it wasn't a must do, so I skipped it and now I'm kicking myself.

The show was amazing!!! I adored the set pieces used for Belle's little provincial French town. They were so cute and they could be spun around so they kind of pulled double duty.

I'm always partial to "Be Our Guest" as a musical number, but I have to say that the scene where they performed "Gaston" was easily my favorite. Part of the appeal was that they used glass beer mugs as a sort of musical instrument in the number. It was fantastic!

Belle was played by an actress named Hilary Maiberger. A quick glance at her FB page (yes, I'm a stalker) revealed that the show the previous night (also here in Buffalo) was her 500th performance as Belle! She did a great job and she had an amazing voice. My only complaint was that at times it was a little bit difficult to hear her.

The other performances were wonderful, too. I especially loved Mrs Potts. Between her and Lumiere, I got tired just watching them. Mrs Potts was in full "I'm a little teapot" mode and Lumiere always had his arms bent up. They must do a lot of strength training or something to be able to do that!

I loved seeing all the little girls dressed up in their Belle gowns. The girl sitting in front of us was not dressed up, but she was practically jumping out of her skin because she was so excited. Before the show started, the president came out and talked a little about the upcoming shows and mentioned how wonderful it was to see kids in the theater! I have to agree!

It was a great time and it made me very, very happy. Something I'm fighting a little bit to keep lately. We went for dessert after, and the chocolate caramel pie may have made me smile a time or two as well

As I was glancing through my Playbill just now, I noticed that the actor playing Cogsworth has Instagram and Twitter accounts where he posts pictures of his favorite clocks from each city he plays in! I think that is ridiculously cool and I absolutely adore the one he posted from Buffalo!! (#cogsworthsclocks if anyone is interested!)

On the way out of the theater, there are recycle bins to deposit your Playbills so they can get recycled. Do people really not keep these??? Or am I the weird one here?

(Just an fyi... if anyone would like to be Facebook friends, shoot me a PM. I'll warn you, I'm not always cheery. Haha. Of course, I'm not always talking about Disney so it only makes sense. LOL.)

 

[MEK]

Oh my! I'm so sorry to hear that your sister and her family are not moving back. No wonder you feel so sad. Hugs to you!

On a brighter note, your Beauty and the Beast outing sounds amazing! How fun! Thanks for sharing!

 

[khaleesi]

Oh my! I'm so sorry to hear that your sister and her family are not moving back. No wonder you feel so sad. Hugs to you!

On a brighter note, your Beauty and the Beast outing sounds amazing! How fun! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you!! I appreciate it a lot! It's difficult... but they're happy, so I need to find a way to be happy too.

It was so much fun!!! I'm thinking of buying the soundtrack!!

 

[khaleesi]

Is it irrational that this makes me giddy???? Not only did he respond to my tweet (and retweeted it), but he did it in EPIC fashion!!!

 

[khaleesi]

Day Three, Part Two​

For those who don't know, I forgot to mention when I posted the first part of my DHS day that the first part of my trip report title is a nod to Star Wars, since all of their movies are considered episodes and they're labeled with Roman Numerals. And, according to Google, MMXIV is RN for 2014. I gotta say, I love math but RNs make me twitchy

After traveling to a galaxy far, far away I headed over to see everyone's favorite frog.

I love the Muppets... I grew up with them and I'm glad to see they're becoming popular again. I thought the last two movies were really cute! The Muppet 3D attraction? Meh. I don't love it. I don't hate it, either... but I think it could be a lot better. But I still watched it

Now here's where I had my next bonehead moment. (If anyone is keeping track, I think we're up to number three ) I looked around the holding area at Miss Piggy's luggage, I watched the little video, I went into the show. I watched the show, I laughed at Waldorf and Statler, I deposited my 3D glasses in the bin and I left the show. Then I wandered around the area for a really long time.

What was I looking for? The sign about the key being under the mat. I couldn't find it anywhere and was kinda bummed. And after reading someone else's report I think I now realize that it's actually in the holding area?? Is that right?

Oh well. Walking is good for me.

I honestly had no real plan at this point. I've always found DHS to be a little less crowded than the other parks and since I was able to do FP+ for TSMM I had absolutely no concern about being able to do everything I wanted.

So I walked.

All the way to San Francisco!

And I wasn't even tired!

I don't know how other people feel about this area of the park, but I absolutely adore it. I think it's clever and I love absorbing the atmosphere. I will eventually make my way back here later on in the day.

A look at my times guide revealed that there were a couple cars willing to make my acquaintance. So I headed over to the cutest little town in Carburetor County. (Google scores again... had no idea how to spell carburetor. Not shocking, since I don't even really know what it is!)

Now it was time to go on a treasure hunt. For some reason, I never actually looked for this before and I have no idea why. Maybe I didn't realize it even existed?

Score!!!

Walt Disney is my "if you could have lunch with any person" person... but George Lucas is my living version of that. So in my head, I truly believe it's a possibility. Preferably in the comfortable confines of Skywalker Ranch!!!

Obviously, my next stop was going to be the Great Movie Ride. I'm a bonehead, but not that far gone. Ha. The line was LONG. And I came close to ducking out, but it moved really fast and I wound up in the front row of a vehicle in no time. I got the gangster scene, but didn't really take any pictures of that. I'm pretty sure my first time on the ride I got the cowboy scene. The pictures I've seen of it look familiar to me.

These aren't the most stunning photos, but all things considered they came out pretty good and I'm really glad I have them! ("All things" means "point and shoot camera that cost less than $100!)

I was never a huge fan of 'Mary Poppins', which I realize is sort of akin to living in Buffalo and not liking chicken wings. (Ummm.... I live in Buffalo and I don't like chicken wings ) After seeing 'Saving Mr Banks', I have a newfound appreciate for Mary. Well, not Mary herself. I've always liked her. She's practically perfect in every way, just like me But the movie itself is more enjoyable to me now.

Hello, creepy

I finally saw 'Casablanca' for the first time a couple years ago. And it's weird because the whole time I was watching it, I didn't really care for it. And then the ending happened and now I love it. So often, a bad ending ruins a perfectly good movie for me. So it was nice to have the reverse thing happen, too. Little blurry, but absolutely no question what it's a picture of. Here's looking at you, kid *swoon*

No explanations needed As much as I love this ride, I'm not terribly fond of the slideshow of movies at the end. It just takes too long. And being in the front of the vehicle makes it painful to even watch. But I am a huge movie junkie, so this ranks up there as a favorite!

Grabbing a bit to eat at Starring Rolls was on my Must Do list, so I headed over that way. I'll leave you with this:

Hello, beautiful! Red velvet cheesecake cupcake! Yes, please! (And a cup of ice water. The two totally negate each other.)

Think I'm heading out this afternoon to see 'The Lego Movie' at our second-run theater. Have a great day everyone!!!!

 

[MEK]

What was I looking for? The sign about the key being under the mat. I couldn't find it anywhere and was kinda bummed. And after reading someone else's report I think I now realize that it's actually in the holding area?? Is that right?

​

Yup - that's correct. When you first walk in look to the right and there is this ticket booth like thing. (I think). Well - it's more a ticket window. The sign is there. Once you see that you down at your feet and, well, there it is - under the mat.

Fun update. Loved the GMR pics!​

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I keep forgetting to look for the key under the mat as well even though we've gone through that attraction many times. I'm with you - wish they could update the film a bit.

I did go on the Great Movie Ride for the very first time last October. Some parts I enjoyed. Others were just okay. Now if I had gotten the Cowboy scene then I might have liked it a lot more.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I do enjoy Muppets 3D, but I think I enjoy the pre-show the most. It may be the best pre-show anywhere. But anything that gives a nod to Jim Henson, I support.

Oh NO!!! Yeah, the key is actually almost right after your enter the building even before the holding area. It took me a long time to remember myself.

Oh absolutely. Walt is my go to for that special meal as well. I'm not sure about George though. As cool as it might be, he always gives me the impression that he could fall asleep at any time.

 

[MidnightParade]

There's a part of me that wants them to update the Muppet 3D movie and another that doesn't because it was a concept that was developed by Jim himself. But honestly I think it being updated would go far in attracting more people and considering they have great new source material from the two new movies I think it would be a nice idea.

Oh man that cupcake is making me hungry!!!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Sorry that you have been feeling a bit down and bummer about your family not moving back - I hear you about the heat though - no way I could live in that!

Glad you enjoyed the Beauty and the Beast show and agree that seeing kids enjoy live theater is always great! And I think it is awesome that he responded to your tweet ... even better that it referenced Star Wars for you!

I actually really enjoy Muppets 3D - though can understand why people aren't crazy about it. And while I enjoy it I wouldn't mind if they updated it (only thing is that is about 10th on the list of "enhancements needed to MGM/DHS")

BTW - if you aren't watching Jim Henson's Creature Shop Challenge you need to - all the references to the great work they do and seeing the masters help out the contestants is cool - and what they come up with in like 3 days is great! Plus the winner gets a job at the Creature Shop which is really cool!

 

[khaleesi]

Yup - that's correct. When you first walk in look to the right and there is this ticket booth like thing. (I think). Well - it's more a ticket window. The sign is there. Once you see that you down at your feet and, well, there it is - under the mat.

Fun update. Loved the GMR pics!

Ahhhh!!! Now I know what to look for... I felt so ridiculous walking in circles. Haha.

Thanks!! They turned out much better than I expected.

I keep forgetting to look for the key under the mat as well even though we've gone through that attraction many times. I'm with you - wish they could update the film a bit.

I did go on the Great Movie Ride for the very first time last October. Some parts I enjoyed. Others were just okay. Now if I had gotten the Cowboy scene then I might have liked it a lot more.

I like feeling like I'm part of the movie set... even though I know it's not REALLY the movie set.

I do enjoy Muppets 3D, but I think I enjoy the pre-show the most. It may be the best pre-show anywhere. But anything that gives a nod to Jim Henson, I support.

Oh NO!!! Yeah, the key is actually almost right after your enter the building even before the holding area. It took me a long time to remember myself.

Oh absolutely. Walt is my go to for that special meal as well. I'm not sure about George though. As cool as it might be, he always gives me the impression that he could fall asleep at any time.

Agreed... I remember how sad I was when he died. Him and Charles Schultz

I WILL find that key next time. It is written in big bold letters in my trip-planning journal!!! I guess the most important part of finding something is knowing where to look??

There's a part of me that wants them to update the Muppet 3D movie and another that doesn't because it was a concept that was developed by Jim himself. But honestly I think it being updated would go far in attracting more people and considering they have great new source material from the two new movies I think it would be a nice idea.

Oh man that cupcake is making me hungry!!!

It's one of those things that I always make the time to do just because of what it is, but I don't walk out of it feeling the same way I do about ITTBAB or Philharmagic. Not sure why.

That cupcake was UNBELIEVABLE.

Sorry that you have been feeling a bit down and bummer about your family not moving back - I hear you about the heat though - no way I could live in that!

Glad you enjoyed the Beauty and the Beast show and agree that seeing kids enjoy live theater is always great! And I think it is awesome that he responded to your tweet ... even better that it referenced Star Wars for you!

I actually really enjoy Muppets 3D - though can understand why people aren't crazy about it. And while I enjoy it I wouldn't mind if they updated it (only thing is that is about 10th on the list of "enhancements needed to MGM/DHS")

BTW - if you aren't watching Jim Henson's Creature Shop Challenge you need to - all the references to the great work they do and seeing the masters help out the contestants is cool - and what they come up with in like 3 days is great! Plus the winner gets a job at the Creature Shop which is really cool!

Thanks... most days I'm okay. Getting the news that they weren't coming back after all was soul-crushing. But the thought of living there makes me 10x more miserable than not seeing them all the time.

That tweet just totally made my day... the fact that he acknowledged me was awesome. The Star Wars part was so unexpected

Just Googled the Creature Shop Challenge!!!! That is SO cool. Looks like I have some catching up to do! Thanks for the recommendation!!!!

 

[Tracy161]

All caught up and am totally loving your TR!!! As a fellow solo tripper, like Rob, I have a soft spot in my heart for you already!

I'm so sorry to hear about the lemons life is giving you lately. But... My recipe for lemonade includes all things Disney and it sounds like you're doing the same thing!

There are so many things I want to comment on but instead of taking three pages to do so, I will promise now to keep up with each update (I was away from town for a while... Usually I am glued to the boards ) and comment accordingly!

For now, I'll just say see ya real soon!

 

[khaleesi]

All caught up and am totally loving your TR!!! As a fellow solo tripper, like Rob, I have a soft spot in my heart for you already!

I'm so sorry to hear about the lemons life is giving you lately. But... My recipe for lemonade includes all things Disney and it sounds like you're doing the same thing!

There are so many things I want to comment on but instead of taking three pages to do so, I will promise now to keep up with each update (I was away from town for a while... Usually I am glued to the boards ) and comment accordingly!

For now, I'll just say see ya real soon!

Thank you for the kind words!!! I love going solo... no one saying do this, no one saying be there... ya know

Life has been interesting lately, that's for sure. I'm very grateful for all the Disney adventures I get to read about on here. It's my escape, since I won't be going back anytime in the foreseeable future.

Very glad to have you along!!!