Fun, Sun, and Mickey Mouse! An August 2009 TR...new 11/19 p. 34

[AlohaPolynesian]

Girl you KNOW I loved that update!! Of course I remember William Hung! And look at Kris' cute little face!!! When I went it had just ended so I don't think that was up at all. When we mett Matt G he was so excited about how he gets to be on there now (I think I told you that already, though!).

Isn't it so fun!?! I loved feeling like I was at the show. Imagine what it'd be like to be at the real show? What if those three were Danny, Kris, and Adam!? Or Cookie, Archie, and Syesha?! (seriously, how did she get to #3?! I am still confused about that one lol)

Also, I went to the finale performance of the day and there were like 6 performers or something! I hope to do that again this time because it'd be more fun than just 3!! I need my idol fill! I'm glad you guys enjoyed it but I knew you would!

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Great AI review! Our timing was off on our DHS day to see it but I'll plan it better next time.

I liked your 9/11 photo, btw.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Sorry, I'm a bit late, but...subscribing.

Love the TR, BTW!

Mlle Upanova

Glad you're enjoying my TR so far.

Hi Sarah!!! Enjoyed the update!!! I too can not believe that it has been 8 years since 9/11!!! Like you I will never forget where I was or what I was doing when I found out what was going on, even though I wish I could... I was at a good friends funeral

Isn't it so strange how we'll never forget that day? But like you too I wish we could.

I'm glad you liked AI!!! With Ellen being the new judge do you think they will change the show around and get ride of the "paula" lookalike?

I too was in Jr year when 9/11 happened. I was in gov't class when the news broke and I remember we weren't allowed to walk outside to change classes and when school let out I remember how blue the sky looked that day and now the plane crashed 1.5 hours away in PA and flew right by..scary. Thanks for the tribute pic. Have you been to the Flight 93 site? If you ever get a chance you should go.

Can't wait for more!

Hmm, I don't know if they'll change it around! I don't think they should, atleast not right away.

No, I've never been to the Flight 93 site. All I know is that when we were in NYC we asked one of the locals how to get to the WTC site and he was like why does everyone want to see that??

HI! I was MIA a fews days life kinda got in the way with the kids going back to school and DD's 15th Birthday is tommorrow! So I'm catching up now! We haven't even started ours were uploading pics still! I loved the American Idol Experience it was great and even better kinda knowing someone participating ZERTOHEROS BF Lou was in it! It was really cool! BTW love the lil pic of the commerative wall from 9/11 my DD was 1 day shy of 7yrs old then! Crazy how time passes by!

Yeah, I've been kind of following along on ZeroToHero's TR and saw that her BF was in it. That is cool! I definitely don't have the guts to do that (not that I can sing anyway! lol).

Happy birthday to your daughter! It's my half-birthday today...geez I am getting old.

I'm really late, but I'm here! Now I gotta read...

Yay, welcome back!

 

[wdwgirl03]

All caught up now -thank you for the handy links!

I'm enjoying every bit of it!! Great review on AI, it was the first one I read where the 3rd person didn't win--there was talk on the DIS of it being "rigged" and the 3rd person always winning, so I'm glad to read that is not the case!

Glad you're enjoying the TR so far. That is interesting about the show being rigged!

Girl you KNOW I loved that update!! Of course I remember William Hung! And look at Kris' cute little face!!! When I went it had just ended so I don't think that was up at all. When we mett Matt G he was so excited about how he gets to be on there now (I think I told you that already, though!).

Isn't it so fun!?! I loved feeling like I was at the show. Imagine what it'd be like to be at the real show? What if those three were Danny, Kris, and Adam!? Or Cookie, Archie, and Syesha?! (seriously, how did she get to #3?! I am still confused about that one lol)

Also, I went to the finale performance of the day and there were like 6 performers or something! I hope to do that again this time because it'd be more fun than just 3!! I need my idol fill! I'm glad you guys enjoyed it but I knew you would!

Was William Hung season 2? I think he was...but that was when I only watched the auditions (season 1 I saw a brief bit of the finale just so I kinda knew what everyone was talking about and season 2 I just watched the auditions ). That pic of Kris, he just looks so amazed at what's happening. I really liked him on the tour...

I know, sadly it's probably the closest we'll ever get to being at a real show. From the lighting to the music to the judges' actions...SO GREAT! Oooh, I did not like Syesha...so glad it was David vs. David in the finale. I heard that just a few days before we got there David Cook was in WDW and made an appearance at the AIE...how cool would that have been to see him?!

We actually ended up going to the finale show one night too...but more on that later.

Great AI review! Our timing was off on our DHS day to see it but I'll plan it better next time.

I liked your 9/11 photo, btw.

Yeah, definitely check it out next time you go! Like I said even if you don't like AI you'll have fun at the AIE.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Just wanted to share this with you guys! There is some BIG NEWS about the new Fantasyland! I got a facebook message from my cousin (the one who is doing the internship) so I thought maybe it was some top-secret information, but I guess they revealed it at the D23 Expo that's going on this weekend. So since it's not top-secret information after all, I'll pass it along to you in case you haven't seen this yet.

Here's the video...check it out. It looks amazing! And there is going to be a REAL Pixie Hollow, not just a room in the judge's tent. That is also one bad thing, supposedly Toontown will have to be taken out (or will have to undergo a HUGE makeover) to make room for all the changes.

ENJOY!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08W5Os-Wnj0

 

[STAYC18]

omg...that is so awesome...i can't wait to see it

 

[jwwi]

Sarah,
I got a little behind. I enjoyed your DHS reports, and esp liked hearing about AI. I do not watch the show, do you think I will enjoy the attraction? I was going to ask if you watched any of the finale shows, but your recent post answered that question.

BTW, I do live close to Miller Park, maybe 8-9 miles, in Tosa. I do enjoy going to games and have been to many this year. Not the same excitement as last year, but I really like to watch so many of the players. Happy to hear you have started to sub teach. Did you try to find a full time position? I know that is really tough to do in the Milw area.

 

[wdwgirl03]

omg...that is so awesome...i can't wait to see it

I know, I can't wait! There was even an article in the paper today. That's one of the things I always love about Disney, it's always changing.

Sarah,
I got a little behind. I enjoyed your DHS reports, and esp liked hearing about AI. I do not watch the show, do you think I will enjoy the attraction? I was going to ask if you watched any of the finale shows, but your recent post answered that question.

BTW, I do live close to Miller Park, maybe 8-9 miles, in Tosa. I do enjoy going to games and have been to many this year. Not the same excitement as last year, but I really like to watch so many of the players. Happy to hear you have started to sub teach. Did you try to find a full time position? I know that is really tough to do in the Milw area.

Oh yeah, I would think you'd still like it. I know I've read a few other posts by people who said they never watch the show but liked the AIE. Being AI fans maybe we enjoyed it more but it's so much fun. Give it a try...the worst that happens is you end up not liking it.

Ohh OK, my dad went to high school in Tosa actually. Agreed about the Brewers this year...kind of makes you appreciate last season even more! I have been looking for full-time jobs but no luck. Hopefully something will come along though.

 

[Beauty & the Best]

Just wanted to share this with you guys! There is some BIG NEWS about the new Fantasyland! I got a facebook message from my cousin (the one who is doing the internship) so I thought maybe it was some top-secret information, but I guess they revealed it at the D23 Expo that's going on this weekend. So since it's not top-secret information after all, I'll pass it along to you in case you haven't seen this yet.

Here's the video...check it out. It looks amazing! And there is going to be a REAL Pixie Hollow, not just a room in the judge's tent. That is also one bad thing, supposedly Toontown will have to be taken out (or will have to undergo a HUGE makeover) to make room for all the changes.

ENJOY!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08W5Os-Wnj0

I'd read about the rumors & seen the "leaked" birds-eye map of the Fantasyland update, but I've been a little behind this weekend, so this is the first I've heard that it's actually happening! So cool!

I did talk to a CM at WDW about 2 weeks ago who said that the rennovations should be starting in Jan '10. But it was still a rumor back then...

Nice update on AI - I'm not really a fan and I haven't been interested in visiting the attraction so far, but your review kind of sparks my interest. It does look pretty cool in there!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Thanks for posting the YouTube link. I'm really looking forward to the Beauty and the Beast area...especially the "Be Our Guest" restaurant. I am, however, a bit skeptical about how long it will take and if all of it will actually be done. Looks really exciting, though!

 

[wdwgirl03]

I'd read about the rumors & seen the "leaked" birds-eye map of the Fantasyland update, but I've been a little behind this weekend, so this is the first I've heard that it's actually happening! So cool!

I did talk to a CM at WDW about 2 weeks ago who said that the rennovations should be starting in Jan '10. But it was still a rumor back then...

Nice update on AI - I'm not really a fan and I haven't been interested in visiting the attraction so far, but your review kind of sparks my interest. It does look pretty cool in there!

Hmmm, wonder if they are still going to start next year. Should be interesting but hopefully it'll all be worth it!

You should try the AIE. Like I said a couple other times even if you don't like the real show you'd probably like AIE.

Thanks for posting the YouTube link. I'm really looking forward to the Beauty and the Beast area...especially the "Be Our Guest" restaurant. I am, however, a bit skeptical about how long it will take and if all of it will actually be done. Looks really exciting, though!

No problem. Yeah, we keep wondering how it's going to affect Fantasyland and what's all going to be closed. Dad and Claire think for sure Dumbo will have to be closed for a while. Guess we'll have to wait and see!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a good weekend. We had really nice weather here and it was a great weekend for my sports teams...the Brewers swept and my football teams both won in the last minute of the game. Go Blue and Go Packers!

August 21, 2009 (part 3)

After American Idol we were ready to have some lunch. Where did we decide to eat? Pizza Planet, of course! I have to say that’s one of my favorite quick service restaurants in Disney World. We ended up getting two pizzas to split between the three of us and a salad. This is why we never do the dining plan…we always share food rather than let it all go to waste. While we were eating we also talked about where we wanted to go in the afternoon and evening. The only park we hadn’t been to yet was the Animal Kingdom. That’s my second favorite park so I kind of wanted to go there but it closed so early. We ended up deciding to go back to Epcot for a while. We made it to Pizza Planet just in time because right as we were leaving it got pretty crowded. Since we had done everything we wanted we decided to head out. On the way we stopped in Mickey’s of Hollywood to pick up a couple more souvenirs. Emma and I both got the American Idol pin we saw earlier and another Vinylmation figurine. LOL! I swear that’s the last one I bought the whole trip. Here’s the display case they had set up with all the figures in case you were curious about this whole Vinylmation craze.

We also took a quick picture here. Love how it has Milwaukee on it!

Then we went to get the boat over to Epcot to see if it was any less crowded than the night before. It was also a nice break to get out of the sun for a while even though the boat was still really warm.

Once we made it to Epcot we headed to Future World.

I spotted this little guy on the sidewalk. It was so weird, he was sticking out his tongue or something crazy. Sadly you can't see in the picture.

The big rides still had pretty long waits but some of the other attractions weren’t bad. We first headed to Innoventions since we hadn’t been in there in a few years. It was interesting to see all of the different exhibits they have now. We found one called Run Time where you get to be the star in a video game. You can either do it by yourself or play as a team. Since there wasn’t really any line for it we played individually. First you have to film your character (really it’s just yourself)—you have to run in place, jump, and do your victory dance. That only takes a minute or so and then you’re sent to another station where you can play the actual game.

We all found out that we were pretty bad at the game but it was still fun. At the end you could even email it to yourself to play at home. It sort of stunk because we all emailed it to ourselves but only Emma got it. Sad! We explored both Innoventions East and West for a while before going to another attraction we hadn’t seen in years…the Universe of Energy.

While we were waiting in line I tried to be artsy and took this picture in the mirrors on the building. Kind of a funhouse mirror. Look at my feet…haha!

And a monorail was gliding by.

The sky was also starting to cloud over and we felt a few raindrops but nothing more than that. We waited maybe ten minutes before being let inside. During the show one of the video screens went out which was kind of annoying. Then it was time to board the vehicles and see the dinosaurs! I think one of my favorite lines from that ride was when Ellen was talking to Bill Nye the Science Guy about the Big Bang. Ellen’s wearing some headphones and doesn’t understand what he said so she’s like “The piggy bank?” I don’t know why but Emma and I thought that was pretty funny. Maybe it was just the way she said it.

When we got out of Universe of Energy it was raining a little bit.

We thought it was funny how everyone was putting on their ponchos. It wasn’t even raining that hard! Plus it felt kind of good after being all sweaty. Even so we decided it was time to head and return back to the Wilderness Lodge for our afternoon break.

I had to take a random shot of the villas. Not a great picture since it was so cloudy but oh well!

We didn’t really feel like going swimming that afternoon so we just hung out in the room for a bit and watched some good old resort TV. They’ve changed it since the last time we were there. Stacy is still the host but instead of it being the Top 7 Must Sees it’s called something like Must Do Disney. Even though it has a lot of the same clips from the old version it’s a lot shorter than the old loop. I kind of didn’t like it. But then again I am still partial to the old OLD one where they have the “Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah…Tip for Today!” Once we were refreshed it was on to Downtown Disney!

 

[Beauty & the Best]

I like your "artsy" picture! It's an interesting perspective of the Imagination pavillion.

That part during EEA is funny...the ding dang? the piggy bank? EEA is the BEST ride for cooling off & (sometimes!) taking a nap. It's the perfect amount of time.

Sorry it rained on you guys! That reminds me, I've got to buy a mini-umbrella for my trip this week.

Can't wait to hear more

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Great update!!! Both my teams won yesterday too!!! Go Phillies and Eagles!!!

Why do I have a feeling my DS is going to be a part of this vinylmation craze!?!?

 

[Angies1274]

Great update!!!

Toy Story Pizza Planet is always a must for our crew too!! The portions are huge and the boys love the arcade!! It's a win-win.

The "starring in your own video game" in Innoventions was so much fun!!! I don't know why--but we haven't played it since we got home. That's really strange that they only sent it to one of your email addresses.

Great artsy picture!! What a cool idea!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Great pics and video of AI!!!

I am such an AI junkieI was so disappointed that I wasn't able to make it last trip. It looks so cool!!! It's definitely a must-do for next time!!

Love the AI shirt w/Goofy!! How cute is that??

You took the words right out of my mouth. I was just about to make the same comments.

 

[funkenzie1]

what the heck is a vinylmation. i havent been to disney for a while and im so very confused.would someone please post a picture of one PLEASE.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I agree, the new stacy show is horrible!! It's like they took stacy and cut her in 1/2 Perhaps they will make a new one soon or put the old one back on!!

 

[Goofy22]

Great update! Those vinylmations are cute though some the way they are decorated are ugly! It did seem like this year it rained more than in the past! I came home to crazy rainy weather also! I have yet to stay at the WL Villas! In Nov/Dec we are staying at AKV Kindani Village! I can't wait! Also because you asked the other day the TR is now up the link is on the PTR!

 

[wdwgirl03]

I like your "artsy" picture! It's an interesting perspective of the Imagination pavillion.

That part during EEA is funny...the ding dang? the piggy bank? EEA is the BEST ride for cooling off & (sometimes!) taking a nap. It's the perfect amount of time.

Sorry it rained on you guys! That reminds me, I've got to buy a mini-umbrella for my trip this week.

Can't wait to hear more

Thanks. That was actually the Universe of Energy pavilion.

Glad I'm not the only one who thought it was funny.

Nah, don't be sorry it rained, like I said it wasn't that hard and didn't last too long. It didn't dampen our spirits at all!

Great update!!! Both my teams won yesterday too!!! Go Phillies and Eagles!!!

Why do I have a feeling my DS is going to be a part of this vinylmation craze!?!?

Yay, glad your teams won too! So you are a Phillies fan? We were just in Philly in May when we went to my dad's Princeton reunion and went to a Phillies game. We'll see them again in about a week when they come to town to play the Brewers!

haha, vinylmation is bad. Very bad.

Great update!!!

Toy Story Pizza Planet is always a must for our crew too!! The portions are huge and the boys love the arcade!! It's a win-win.

The "starring in your own video game" in Innoventions was so much fun!!! I don't know why--but we haven't played it since we got home. That's really strange that they only sent it to one of your email addresses.

Great artsy picture!! What a cool idea!!

Exactly, those pizzas are so big we can never eat one individually.

We were really confused as to why Emma was the only one who got the game. Oh well.

You took the words right out of my mouth. I was just about to make the same comments.

So you didn't make it to AI either?

what the heck is a vinylmation. i havent been to disney for a while and im so very confused.would someone please post a picture of one PLEASE.

They are these little plastic Mickey figurines that are decorated in different ways. I posted a picture of them in my last post but here it is again:

I agree, the new stacy show is horrible!! It's like they took stacy and cut her in 1/2 Perhaps they will make a new one soon or put the old one back on!!

I KNOW, it was so short! It seemed like when we would put it on in the morning we'd see it 3 times in half an hour!

Great update! Those vinylmations are cute though some the way they are decorated are ugly! It did seem like this year it rained more than in the past! I came home to crazy rainy weather also! I have yet to stay at the WL Villas! In Nov/Dec we are staying at AKV Kindani Village! I can't wait! Also because you asked the other day the TR is now up the link is on the PTR!

haha, I know, some are very strange. I have a feeling if I buy more it will be on ebay so I know I am getting one I like! I'd rather pay a couple extra bucks for one I really want than pay for one I don't care for.

Cool you are staying at Kidani Village...Dad and I may be staying there in April over spring break.

I'm heading over to the TR now!