Halloween 2010 at the Fort with the TCD Gang!

[3gr8kids]

 

[Tri-circle-D]

I have been waiting for this report since I left and drove the 14 hours home. It was very nice to meet you TCD, both times. Waiting for more.

Same here, good buddy.

And, BTW, you are going to get a photo credit later on in this report.

Remember when I saw you at the bus stop and you told me about the photo opportunity across the street?

I got that photo.

It will be coming up toward the end of this report.

I don't see any mention of attending the grand gathering... Don't tell me that you didn't go!

Well, I was hanging out with the millionaires on the 700 loop.

Do you think I was gong to go over to the (yikes) 1600 loop?

As if.

Yes, it's true, I did not attend any of the galas on the 1600 loop.

Truth be told, TCD isn't that much of a partier.

But, I do think that I at least said hello to most of the Fiends.

And Mrs. TCD had a special moment with Donnie.

They're BFF's now.

First of all, I love Moon Pies! Living in the Mobile area, I guess it's pretty safe to say that I've had a many of them throughout the years during Mardi Gras.

Secondly, I can't wait to hear all about Rocky! We lost our Rocky's dad last week due to reasons that we are still unsure of. Long story, but we are still very shaken up over it. Be sure to include photos of your beautiful puppy!

I didn't have my first moon pie until I was an adult.

As far as I know, they weren't sold in New Joisey, which is where I grew up.

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your doggie.

But, I will have some Rocky photos coming right up.

And, you will come to find out that Rocky is quite the VIP, or I guess it's VID at the Fort.

Great another TCD trip report makes you feel like you are right in the middle of things. Almost as good as being there.

Thanks, but a boring trip report is not remotely as good as being there.

But, I'll try.

Your pictures really drive home a point for me... there is no way that an old west theme is going to look right with cypress trees dripping Spanish moss as their centerpiece. I'm really starting to lean toward southern plantation, since New Orleans is already taken.

I'm with you on this, Shan-man. I think it has to be some type of Southern 1800's type theme. I'm thinking perhaps an Old Florida Fish Camp type vibe- like maybe a Cedar Key type look.

I am loving all these trip reports-especially one by the "master reporter"!



How funny, we were watching this, this afternoon, too, and I immediately thought of TCD!

Now, back to the photos......

Hmmm.

I'm going to have to check out this hippie documentary.

It's good to know as much as you can about the enemy, you know.

I can't wait for more.....We arrived friday and were supposed to leave monday the 1ST but are still here and will stay til atleast Friday ( I am not complaining )although I feel like I have been on a rollor coaster for a week with this shuttle lunch. I am sorry I missed meeting you and everyone else but I am excited to see all of your pictures and am patiently waiting for more

Man, I'm sorry for all of the confusion about the Space Shuttle. I met a fellow at the Dog Park who works for NASA. He was camping on the 500 loop- maybe you can find him and he can give you some inside info.

Yay! Really enjoying so far.

You can't go wrong with Halloween Moon Pies,

A cart full of hippies

And tons of random shots at the Fort !

I know this comes as a great shock....

but I LOVE random shots of the Fort.

Well....and Moon Pies too. Especially microwaved for 20 secs. ;-)

I've never microwaved a moon pie.

Sounds interesting.

Great TR TCD, can't wait for more!



I agree Shan-man but If you think about it they already have a resort with southern plantations. Port Orleans Riverside starts with Plantations then as you move up the river it becomes more of commoner type houses with a woods/bayou feel. Who knows what they're thinking?

That's true about POR. But, I think they cold still pull off a similar theme here. The question is whether they would want to.

This report already will have more hippies than I care for.

Please refrain from adding more.

Thank you.

And now, let's get moving . . .

TCD

 

[Tri-circle-D]

It's still Saturday morning, October 30th.

Here's my last shot from the Settlement area from that morning:

We always hit the quick serve restaurant at the Poly for at least one meal on each visit. We like the self-serve Dole Whip machine. So that is where we headed for lunch.

But first, here's that insect photo I mentioned:

A praying mantis!

I can't remember the last time I saw one of those.

When we were kids, it was understood that it was a federal crime to kill a praying mantis. As I understand it now, this was a pretty big urban legend. I don't think they are protected at all. Just in case, though, we moved this fellow away from our campsite and released him.

Over at the Poly, we got to take a look at the castmembers pumpkin contest. Here are this year's competitors:

We all liked the UP one the best- look there is even a grape soda pin!

But, the luggage carrier one was good too.

The Fort also had a pumpkin carving contest for its castmembers. We will take a look at their pumpkins in just a bit.

After a delightful lunch, we headed back to the Fort.

One of the DD's did not eat at the Poly, because she wanted to eat something back at the campsite.

Namely this:

That's some leftover GAG chicken.

Nothing can beat that!

We did a bit of looping.

Lots of folks were preparing their carts for this afternoon's parade.

One of our favorites was this creation on the 2000 loop:

The group camping area was full of happy campers. Make sure that you notice all of the pumpkins:

All of the loops had great decorations. Some more than others.

These folks were set up on the 1000 loop. I know that they have been here for at least the last three Halloweens. They are the Halloween equivalent of the 1600 loop Christmas overachievers:

The thing that I always remember about these folks is that they bring that big old car-port type canopy, and they set up a pretty elaborate kitchen, including a full sized refrigerator. No roughing it for them!

The TCD dog Rocky, got to come along for this trip.

This was his second visit to the Fort.

His first was when he was about four months old, back in June.

Now, he's eight months old.

He loves the Waggin' Tails Dog Park, and we spent a lot of time there:

Mrs. TCD a.k.a. Martha, brought along a craft for the girls to work on.

Mrs. TCD is famous for her crafts.

This one was a Halloween gingerbread house.

Here are photos of the girls working on it, along with the finished product:

They did a pretty good job on that, didn't they?

One of the things that I often neglect to do is to stop and really appreciate the attention to detail some people give to their site decorations.

For example, this is just a small part of the display from one of my 700 loop neighbor's display:

Do you notice the headless dolls at each tombstone?

And then the heads lined up beneath the bride?

And, the bride had a glowing, beating heart.

Just like in the Haunted Mansion.

Wow!

Here is part of the TCD decorations:

As many of you know, Georgia and Florida played their annual football game on Saturday afternoon.

So, some of the afternoon was spent watching football.

Rocky enjoyed the cool concrete of our premium campsite:

And, just for the sake of comparison, here's a photo of Rocky from his first Fort visit four months ago:

Old Rocky is pretty big for an eight month old pup.

And, we're afraid he isn't done growing yet.

We enjoyed a lazy afternoon at the Fort.

And, before we knew it, it was time for the cart parade.

We headed out to just outside the 700 loop to watch . . .

TCD

 

[3gr8kids]

But first, here's that insect photo I mentioned:

MANNY!!!! I wonder how long it took him to get from AK to the fort?

[/QUOTE]

That is one good looking boxer!!!

 

[ambertides]

VERY cool. They did a great job.

And, just for the sake of comparison, here's a photo of Rocky from his first Fort visit four months ago:

Oh, my. He looks like he's going to be one big puppy.

 

[DaveInTN]

TCD, excuse me if I missed it...but since you chastised me on my recent TR regarding the amount of Dole Whip I got in my cup, WHERE is your Dole Whip pic??? Can you prove that you got more in the cup than me?

 

[liv luvs disney]

Shoot! In the time it took me to finish one TR, you have visited the Fort twice, completed a TR, and started another! Not complainin', just sayin...

 

[campingdawgs]

Love the report! The GA/FL game not so much

The Halloween decorations at the sites are awesome! And it is amazing how much effort the CMs put into the pumpkin carving contest.

I love the haunted gingerbread house. Very spooky! My DD14 and her friends have a tradition of making a gingerbread house on her birthday (in Dec) every year. And then they eat it.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

MANNY!!!! I wonder how long it took him to get from AK to the fort?

That is one good looking boxer!!!

Is Manny a character in ITTBAB?

I'll tell Rocky that you think he's good looking!

VERY cool. They did a great job.



Oh, my. He looks like he's going to be one big puppy.

Yes, Rocky is already bigger than our last dog was when she was full grown.

TCD, excuse me if I missed it...but since you chastised me on my recent TR regarding the amount of Dole Whip I got in my cup, WHERE is your Dole Whip pic??? Can you prove that you got more in the cup than me?

Child please!

Everybody I have ever seen at that machine gets more in their cup than you did.

Kids.

Old Ladies.

Everybody!

I don't have any Dole Whip photos from this trip.

But, I'll be happy to get one for you on my next.

I'm not sure I should post a photo, though.

If one of the Disney spies who monitor these boards ever saw how much Dole Whip I can get in one of those cups, that machine will be gone immediately.

Shoot! In the time it took me to finish one TR, you have visited the Fort twice, completed a TR, and started another! Not complainin', just sayin...

Don't fret.

You did great on your trip report.

And yours was full of quality.

Mine is just full of quantity.

Love the report! The GA/FL game not so much

The Halloween decorations at the sites are awesome! And it is amazing how much effort the CMs put into the pumpkin carving contest.

I love the haunted gingerbread house. Very spooky! My DD14 and her friends have a tradition of making a gingerbread house on her birthday (in Dec) every year. And then they eat it.

Yes, between you and I, I thought this was going to be Georgia's year, too.

Nobody really ate our Gingerbread house.

That's because we kept on catching Rocky licking it.

It's time for another installment, folks.

TCD

 

[Figment Chick]

Old Rocky is pretty big for an eight month old pup.

And, we're afraid he isn't done growing yet.


TCD

Our Boxer that just passed away was 85 pounds. He was a beast, I tell ya! Our Rocky not only looks very much like his dad, but we're thinking that he just might grow to be about the same size. Boxer's are the best!!! Your Rocky is gorgeous, and yes indeed he is definitely filling out!

 

[Tri-circle-D]

It's now time to look at photos from the Halloween Golf Cart Parade.

There have already been photos of this posted on other threads.

But none of those have contained witty comments and observations about the carts.

And, this one won't either.

OK, there will be comments and observations.

But, they won't be witty.

And, as long as I'm being honest, these photos sometimes tend to get a wee bit boring.

But, deal with it.

According to the castmember who led the parade, there were 200+ carts.

Don't worry, I don't have 200 photos.

But it's close.

So, let's get started, shall we?

Here we go:

A couple of things to point out in the photo above:

1. The Headless Horseman did not lead the parade this year. Instead we got Segway Guy. Sorry, Segway Guy, but you are no Headless Horseman. And, Disney spies, I have an idea for next year. I know that the Headless Horseman is busy this time of year. So, I'm not greedy. How about Headless Segway Guy? That would work, wouldn't it?

2. If you look to the far right of the photo, you will see a blue golf cart, and a gentleman standing in front of it. That, dear readers, is the famous Discamper. He has already posted many excellent photos from the parade. I wish this photo showed his tripod. It looked like something from one of NASA's moon missions.

OK, that was a bit too much witty commentary.

Back to the photos:

Here's a better shot of Segway Guy. In case you haven't picked up on it, I'm not a fan:

And now, the first few carts:

All well done.

Be sure to take a moment and look at the effort these campers made.

Good job on these.

Next up is one of my favorites:

Notice that Fred was actually sticking his foot out to push the cart along, and poor Dino ran the whole way behind the cart!

Some more carts:

This cart is in every golf cart parade at the Fort. Last year, it was pulling a pumpkin carriage, and it won one of the prizes:

Some more carts:

And, now, the one you have all been waiting for.

Look!

It's a cart full of hippies!!!!

And look at the pants on the driver.

Authentic!

I don't think this was a costume.

I think these were real hippies.

Strung out on drugs (as usual).

Lost.

Getting ready to start the murdering.

Or worse . . .

The accordion playing.

I get shivers down my spine just thinking about it.

Fortunately, the beefed up security must have captured these hippies and ejected them. Because I never saw them again.

Thank goodness.

OK, two more golf cart photos:

And, that's it.

That wasn't so bad was it?

No?

Good.

Because when I said "That's it," I meant for this post.

I don't know how to break this to you.

But, there are more golf cart photos coming.

A whole post's worth.

I told you.

Quantity.

TCD

 

[ambertides]

This cart is in every golf cart parade at the Fort. Last year, it was pulling a pumpkin carriage, and it won one of the prizes:

I saw that cart on the 25th and told DH I recognized it. He looked at me funny (since we had never been to the Fort). I'm guessing I saw it here.

Look!

It's a cart full of hippies!!!!

My people!! (Okay, so I was born too late for that. )

I don't know how to break this to you.

But, there are more golf cart photos coming.

A whole post's worth.

 

[3gr8kids]

And, now, the one you have all been waiting for.

Look!

It's a cart full of hippies!!!!

I think they should have decorated their cart like a giant hookah!

 

[testtubes]

Also reading along and enjoying your Halloween report!

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Well, we might as well get this over with.

Another batch of golf cart photos.

But, you haven't seen some of these carts yet.

For example, look at this one:

This cart was a tribute to Brian, the popular FW castmember who died a few months ago. I had a really brief conversation with the gentleman driving this cart. As far as I can tell, he was not a relative of Brian's, just a camper making a tribute.

Here are some more carts:

There was a second Flintstones cart in the parade. Note that these folks also dressed as Flintstones characters:

Still more carts:

Here's another great pirate ship. Please stop for a moment and admire the hard work that went into this:

I know that you have already seen the Slinky Dog cart, both on this thread and elsewhere, but still, here are two more photos, because it was so good:

And still the carts continue . . .

There is a VIP Disboard member on this cart. Look how he's hiding his face. Also note that he apparently could not round up anyone to ride with him. Can anybody tell me who this is?:

More:

Check out the monorail car on the top of this cart. On Halloween night, I saw a child wearing this as his costume. And, it lit up. Pretty cool:

These campers made their own clown car:

I saw several Gator carts over the weekend. But, this was the only FSU cart:

We are not done yet!:

We will finish this post with this photo:

This is a golf cart pulling a trailer with full sized mannequins dressed as horror figures. I did not know it then, but now I know that this cart belonged to the family of Disboard member LucyLove.

And, coming up in my next post, I have another photo of this cart, and of Ms. LucyLove herself!

Yes, that means that there are more cart photos coming.

In case you're wondering, you have looked at 50 golf cart photos already.

Yes, I said 50!

And, there are still more to come.

I told you there were a lot of carts.

The good news is that the golf cart photos will be finished in the next post.

And, then we can move on to new topics.

Remember, it's still just early Saturday evening.

There is lots more fun to come.

So, stay tuned!

TCD

 

[TOGA]

Jumpin' in .

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Here we go.

The last of the golf card parade photos.

Here is another shot of the LucyLove family cart and trailer. I believe the ghost bride walking behind is none other than our own LucyLove:

Ashley- If you happen to be reading along, please answer something for me.

My DD swears she saw the fellow with the Hannibal Lecter mask and straight jacket move around on the trailer. She thinks he was a real person. Was he?
I thought they were all mannequins.

Either way, y'all did a great job!

The last of the carts:

The owner of this cart is a Disboard member. Good job on this one!:

More, more, more:

Here is an LSU fan!:

I liked this cart a lot, so we have three photos of it:

And, I also like this one, so there are two photos of it:

I heard the horseless carriage won first prize in the parade, but I was not present when the prizes were announced, and I could never find a list of the winners, so I can't say for sure. It was a cool cart, though. You could not see the driver.

Just in case anyone hasn't had enough cart photos:

And, believe it or not.

That's all the cart photos I have.

After the parade, we headed over to the dog park with Rocky.

There were a lot of dogs there, and we had a great time.

We stayed until dark, and then ate dinner back at the campsite.

Mrs. TCD tried a new recipe for macaroni and cheese made in the crock-pot. It was a hit!

By the time we were done with our dinner, it was almost 8 o'clock.

The activity schedule said that the Headless Horseman would be appearing at the campfire at 8 pm.

We decided to go and check it out.

I figured that the golf cart parking area around the Bike Barn would be a mess. So, we were going to park our cart in the grass by the 600 loop footbridge, and get to the campfire area that way. When we got there, though, a castmember was blocking anyone from using the bridge. Apparently, the HH was going to enter through the 1400 loop, ride behind the movie screen, and enter the campfire area from stage left. That meant the sidewalk behind the movie screen and the footbridge were blocked off.

It was now almost 8 pm. We didn't have time to drive all the away around to the golf cart entrance. So, we sped over to the Meadow Trading Post, parked the cart there, and headed over to the campfire area via that bridge. As we passed the Bike Barn, we were stopped by a castmember. The castmembers had stopped people from walking into the campfire area, so the sidewalk leading in to it could be kept clear.

So, there we stood looking in to the campfire area.

The Headless Horseman was going to ride right past us.

But, we had to wait for him to pass before we could enter the campfire area.

We could see the campfire area clearly.

It was packed.

Every bench was full, as were the bleachers. The fullest I have ever seen them.

Ever.

And, while the crowd was waiting for the sing-a-long to begin, I saw something happen that I have never seen happen there before.

The crowd started doing the wave.

I kid you not.

It was a riot!

They actually did the wave at the campfire!

And, then the lights suddenly dimmed.

And we heard the distinct sound of horseshoes on pavement.

Then, suddenly, he rounded the corner!:

He rode right into the campfire area, and threw something up on the stage.

Then he rode off.

We were then released to enter the campfire area.

But, it was way too packed.

So, we headed back to camp.

The castmember leading the sing-a-long announced that the Headless Horseman had thrown a bag full of treats up on the stage.

And that they would be passed out to those in the audience.

What the Fort?

Since when did the Headless Horseman become Santa Claus?

Or the Easter Bunny?

I object!

I can't tell you what the treat was, as we were going to fight the crowds to get in there.

As we headed back to our cart, we found the front half of the Slinky Dog cart parked behind the Bike Barn:

Whoever made this really did a great job.

And, it obviously was a lot of work.

Awesome.

On our way back to our cart, we passed through the Meadow Trading Post, and looked at the FW castmember entries in the castmember pumpkin carving contest.

I'll share some photos of those pumpkins in my next post.

TCD

 

[Total Joker]

 

[Specularius]

I am waiting to see "Rocky Balboa" and from your foreshadowing his trophy belt.

 

[lucy_love]

Ashley- If you happen to be reading along, please answer something for me.

My DD swears she saw the fellow with the Hannibal Lecter mask and straight jacket move around on the trailer. She thinks he was a real person. Was he?
I thought they were all mannequins.

Either way, y'all did a great job!


TCD

TCD-

I am so excited to be mentioned in your TR. Yep, I was the dead bride! Our neighbors back home in Clearwater are Halloween obsessed, until this year they would put up a haunted house in their front yard. They are now best friends and RV traveling buddies... This was their first time at the fort for Halloween! We wanted to do something Disney with the trailer but since they already had all the scary decorations we went with that theme due to a lack of time.


Yes the Hannibal moves and talks but he is not real. Here is a close up of him