rgoble5972
Are we there yet?
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2001
- Messages
- 276
CAST
Robin 41 Trip Report writer, Bringer of Good Weather, Recently Relieved of Duties as Trip Planner
Larry - 46 - Host, Walking Compendium of Knowledge, and Trip Report god.
Jill - (no way would I betray a confidence without permission) - Keeper of the Passports, Park Navigator, and First in Line
Greg - 17 - Quiet Teenager, Purveyor of Dry Wit and Sarcastic Remarks
Ed - 14 - Runescape Addict, Chief Dog Walker, and Professional Conversationalist
Pippin/Killer - 4 months - Official Wilmot Poodle, Beggar of Table Scraps, Eater of Baked Goods
Friday, July 15, 2005
Lets go see ***** and Stitch.
Today we woke with a singleness of mind that only the most noble of pursuits can supply. A joining of forces. A combining of resources. Two nations coming together to forge bonds and accomplish great things. Yes, thats right. We were going to experience all the attractions in Walt Disney Studios in ONE DAY.
Some of you might remember that, a few years back, Larry proved (In a very scientific and thoroughly controlled double-blind method using statistical sampling, placebos, test subjects, focus groups, exit interviews, mayonnaise, and rope--or perhaps he just used himself and a ten-dollar Timex watch! - (It was a Ten Dollar Wal Mart Watch, which all the black paint peeled off, rather quickly - L) that the Studios was only two-thirds of a park by visiting every attraction in less than one day. We planned to duplicate that study today (for no particular reason other than the fact that it was now a matter of pride).
We met up at 8:30, took the bus to Disney Village, walked the short distance to the Studios entrance, and were soon on the French equivalent of Hollywood Boulevard, which happens to be conveniently located indoors. I suppose having the main entrance, restaurants and shops indoors comes in handy in case of bad weather. (That is true, but there is very little glamour or excitement, compared with the MGM street, to me it looks like some neon and cardboard cut outs in an aircraft hanger, give me MGM Studio's every time - even if it is raining. - L)
The choice for first ride of the day was unanimously Rock n Rollercoaster (RnRC) and so we headed there first. We were denied however as they were experiencing technical difficulties. (Yes I have a theory that there were not enough people in the park to bother to staff it for the first hour or so, thereby saving lots of French Francs, sorry Euros - but that looks bad, so why not say technical difficulties? - I could be wrong there and if DLP decide to sue, then just remember this is Robin's TR, I'm just commenting a bit, kinda hardly at all really. Anyway I don't agree with me, - It's Roy Disney's Fault he got us all rebellious. - L.)
Greg, the ever-hungry teenager was quick to point out that this would be a good time to get some breakfast so we went back to the entrance and queued up at the Restaurant en Coulisse (which somehow must translate as McDonalds because thats what the restaurant is). They had a special which consisted of orange juice, hot chocolate or coffee, a croissant (hey, it is France), and a pan du chocolate (No. We didnt have an actual PAN of chocolate. Its French for bread. I know, I know. Its like those French have a different word for everything!). Theres nothing like some pastry-intensive dining to get you going for the rest of the day.
Since we were back at the front of the park, we decided to hop on the Studio Tram Tour. Jeremy Irons is the English narrator for the Tram Tour which has much of the same elements as the one at WDW. Catastrophe Canyon was much the same but they also have a London street scene from Reign of Fire where they toast things up a bit as well.
After the Tram Tour, we made our way back to Rock n Rollercoaster, which was up and running (and a walk-on). We went through so quickly that we didnt get to see the pre-show portion with Aerosmith. Little did I know what a blessing that was until I had to suffer through it later! We held back one limo so we could ride in the back. The ride itself is every bit as good as the one in WDW. (Though it is themed differently its more of the inside of the concert hall rather than the drive to the gig!! - And Robin you have to agree that compared with Florida, the outside is CHEAP with a capital Chee - L)
It was almost 10:30 by now, which was the starting time for the Moteurs...Action! stunt show. One word of warning about touring with Larry Wilmot: most of his comments begin with the statement When I was in *this* show.... mainly because he has a knack for getting picked to be in productions. This happened to be the case as we were walking to the stunt show!
We found some seats in the stands right as they were asking for volunteers for the show. Faster than you could say I want to be a Beet! Larry was out of his seat and waving his arms wildly. Needless to say, he was chosen. Feigning surprise and humility that someone as quiet and shy by nature would be chosen, he made his way down to the front of the stands where he (and several other volunteers) were interviewed and had a small audition for the show (which was projected on giant video screens so everyone could see). (Gosh the shame of it, I'm sure I had a spot on my face, and on the screen it was four feet across. Yuky Do. -L)
I wont give away all the tricks of the show but I must say that Larry did a nice job of getting shot in the leg and an even nicer job of limping. In fact, his acting skills at being shot at were so convincing, I think he may have mafia connections or something. (Now don't ever mess with Robin, because she has REAL connections- L)
Next up was the 11:30 showing of CineMagique, a tribute to 100 years of movies. Every time we went past the Production Courtyard (an area right outside the indoor Hollywood Boulevard), they were having the Lilo and Stitch Surfin Show. Actually, the French title is Lilo and Stitch Surfent sur la Vague which seems to mean Lilo and Stitchs vague surfing adventure. For some reason, Minnie and Pluto join in this production which is la tradition familiale hawaienne where they danser le Houla. (I swear, I am not making that up--its actually in the program!)
About the fifth time we went past and heard the same songs and dialogue, Larry remarked Oh great, its that darn ***** and Stitch again! I think it took him a minute to realize why I had to lay down on the pavement I was laughing so hard! (I like to think of that show as the Jigsaw Show, that's because I've seen all of it, but not in the right order and I'm pretty sure I said Oh its that Dido and Stitch again- L)
Now, where was I? Oh yes, CineMagique. Unbeknownst to me, the Wilmots engineered it so that I sat down beside a Cast Member who is part of the show (eventually turning into Martin Short--not a bad trick). The show itself was decent enough. (Decent enough, what kind of review is that????? It's a great show, using all kinds of cinemagique to remind you of the great heritage of Films, that we have, not only the Hollywood contribution but that of Europe as well. - L - You're not cross with me are you Robin?)
It was now time to head back to the Backlot area to see Armageddon. While we waited in line, I got some bottled water for us since it was a very warm day today. Armageddon is kind of a special effects show where you go into a room made to look like a set from the movie and then experience a scene with special effects (with actual fire very close to you, which was pretty impressive). (Oh Gosh Robin, thanks for the water, we were sweltering by then, it was like the relief of Maffakin when you brought those bottles to us. - L.)
Since we were so close to RnRC, we decided to hop on again (except for Jill who said once a trip was enough for her), this time getting in the front of the limo. We also had to suffer through the pre-show this time. Like at WDW, you go into a recording studio and, also like WDW, Aerosmith is there, but thats where the similarities stop. Oh yes, they dont have Illeana Douglas as the manager in this version, but some cheap Illeana Douglas look-a-like.
Steven Tyler says something about having a dream about an elevator? or doing loops? or some other drug-induced experience that makes absolutely no sense, while the rest of the band and the manager look-a-like stare at him, puzzled, blinking like cows. I think even they are confused. The fact that the film is in English makes it even worse because I couldnt blame the language barrier for the nonsensical dialogue. The film is also (perhaps mercifully) very short--maybe 45 seconds, tops. A complete phone-in from Aerosmith. (It probably took them longer to cash the fee, than it took them to make the film. - It is very disappointing. I love the finger wagging Lisa Minnelli woman in the original, and it's quite impressive that you know her real name Robin. - L)
After RnRC, we went to the Animation Courtyard where we rode the Flying Carpets of Agrabah. This ride is like the Aladdin ride at the Magic Kingdom at WDW, but without the water-spitting camels. Greg gave this ride a miss and went to find us a spot for the Disney Cinema Parade.
After our ride, we caught up with Greg who had found a nice shady spot on some grass near the end of the parade route. Larry got some water for us and we had a nice 15 minute rest before the parade started. Greg slept sprawled out on the grass under a tree through the entire parade and Larry had a 10 minute power nap before it started. The parade itself was cute and had lots of characters in it and floats from some of the more popular Disney films (even an Incredibles one - Go Holly Hunter Go. - L ).
It was just slightly past 2:00 when the parade was over and we decided that lunch was in order. We ate at the Backlot Express where everyone had croque monsieurs (kind of like a French grilled ham and cheese sandwich, only with the cheese part on top). Jill and Greg had fruit tarts, Ed had a cookie, and Larry and I split a cream puff for dessert. (Robin means a chocolate éclair?)
After lunch, since we were so close (I know, I know, that always seems to be my excuse), we took one more ride on Rock n Rollercoaster. (Like you do)
Next, we headed to the 3:15 show of Anamagique (the French are very big on magique apparently). Larry was keen to do this because he said he could sleep through the pink elephant bits. The show has roughly the same plot as Mickeys Philharmagic (or, should I say Philharmagique?), only with live characters and puppets (think Philharmagic meets Voyage of The Little Mermaid) and, yes there are quiet a few pink elephant bits. The most disturbing element however (aside from the theme song which is every bit as annoying--and hard to get off your mind--as It's a Small World), was the fact that Baloo was wearing a grass skirt and a coconut-shell bra. (Hey he likes to express his feminine side. - L)
Also annoying was an announcement done by childrens voices at the beginning of the show. One child had a highly amusing lisp and I laughed until my stomach hurt as he said something about having to bwake your cam-a-wah. Now thats comedy.
After his power nap before the parade, Larry didnt sleep through the pink elephant bits, but Jill and Ed had a nice nap for the entire production. I think Anamagique just about finished Greg off because once it was over, he left us to go back to the hotel.
Next up was the Art of Disney Animation which consists of several displays, an animation demonstration, and then a film about animation. Ed thought it was highly amusing that I cried at Bambi (hey, they killed his mother!). (Hey I have six Thumpers for sale on EBay btw. - Never miss an opportunity to get sales thats my motto.)
The final attraction of the park (and Im sorry to say that we didnt save the best for last) was the Television Production Tour. Three words: Wallows In Lameness! This is nothing but a series of rooms with television monitors which play clips from the Disney Channel and are narrated by the most annoyingly sugar-coated French girl known to man. At least in Superstar Limo at DLR (the previously most inane ride in any Disney park), you get to sit down for the stupid ride. Here you had to walk through and then stand in all of the rooms. We all agreed that we could never go to this attraction (and I use the term attraction *very* loosely here) again, and still die happy.
At the end of the Television Production Tour, in a vain attempt to console you, they dump you into a room that has several hands-on video games and Magic Easel drawing displays. They also have a CyberSpace Mountain like at Disney Quest, but the queue was tremendous. We did play around with some of the displays for a few minutes before leaving.
(I can't over emphasise how bad this attraction is, it is terrible, shocking, a travesty. Unless you are trying to beat my record for doing all the attractions in the park, then UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO THIS ATTRACTION. - If you want to do Cyber Space Mountain, sneak in the back, - L.)
It was now a little before 5:00 and we had finished all of the attractions at the Studios (and done RnRC three times, I might add). We walked out of the park to Disney Village where we picked up some post cards (and a phone card for me so I could call home (RG Phone Home, isn't that a Universal Film?). We checked on train times in order to go into Paris the next morning (they run pretty much every 15 or 20 minutes all day long) and then decided to meet up for dinner around 7:30.
The Wilmots went back to the hotel while I went to Disneyland in order to do some shopping. The parade had just ended and the shops were all fairly busy so I wound up going in to Fantasyland and having a look around there--just walking around and soaking up the atmosphere. The style of Fantasyland in Paris is more like the Fantasyland in California than the one in Florida.
After a while I took the bus back to the hotel, got a coke and freshened up a bit. I tried calling home, but couldnt figure out how to make the phone card work.
We all met up at 7:30 and took the bus to Disney Village. Here is where they have Buffalo Bills Wild West Show, several bars and nightspots, restaurants including McDonalds, Planet Hollywood, and the Rainforest Cafe, a movie theater and, of course, shopping.
They also have a bucking bronco machine, and I was terribly disappointed that Robin wouldnt have a go on it. I mean she is from TEXAS after all. She probably didn't want to upset the French people by staying on for ten minutes and showing off. - L
The plan for the evening was to go and visit some of the Disney hotels and have dinner at one of their restaurants. We walked through Disney Village to Lake Disney and the Marina. At the marina, they have a tethered hot air balloon (Panoramagique, to be precise--I told you they were big on Magique here) that you can go up in, which looked quite fun. We checked out the price and found it a bargain at 12 euros per person, so we decided that wed come back after dinner (and after it got dark) and give it a try. (Don't let them know we think it is a bargain, they will put the price up, I mean if someone as mean (sorry thrifty) as me doesnt mind paying that much it must be under priced. - L)
Situated around Lake Disney are the Hotel New York, the Sequoia Lodge (like the Wilderness Lodge) and the Newport Bay Club (like the Beach/Yacht Club). The Hotel Sante Fe and the Cheyenne are a short distance farther.
We came to the Hotel New York first, where the buildings are designed to look like the Manhattan skyline. They have a Rockefeller Center behind the resort that has an ice skating rink in the winter time.(Done the real thing in NYC. I was terrified, though Robin was like Torville or Dean or someone. - L) For now, it was housing a bike run. (No ordinary bike run, but bikes with different sized wheels with concentric hubs so the wobble. - Hey it's fun not exercise we are after - L.) We checked out the menu at their restaurant before moving on to the Sequoia Lodge.
They had two restaurants at the Sequoia and we perused their menus as well and then continued walking along the lake to the Newport Bay Club. The Newport Bay also had two restaurants (the Yacht Club and the Cape Cod), both of which were closed for refurbishment.
We decided to eat at the Hunter Grill at the Sequoia Lodge. They had no tables available in the non-smoking section, but could get us in the smoking section right away. Luckily, no one was smoking in that section, and so, as we were all getting pretty hungry by now, we decided to sit there.
We all got the special which started with a frisson salad with lardon and a soft boiled egg (lovely sounding, isnt it?). It turns out that lardon is pretty much ham (though even I know with my limited French, that jambon is ham as well). The salad was very good and we all enjoyed the lardon, regardless of what it was (and who can resist a frisson?). (Frisson is OK in small doses if you ask me -L)
The main course consisted of grilled pork, sausage, chicken, and steak which was served with corn, French fries, and grilled pineapple. For dessert we all tried the brownie sundae with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream, except for Ed who got to go to the kids dessert bar. The dinner was very good and we were quite stuffed when we were through.
Okay, in order to remain an unbiased journalist and to keep my reputation for unwaveringly reporting all the newsworthy events (dont laugh--we trip report writers have a code of ethics too, its just kind of a wobbly one!), I suppose Im going to have to mention the fact that it was at dinner this particular evening that I stabbed Larry. Yes, I admit it, I stabbed him. I can hear you asking now, But Robin, how on earth did you exercise such control and make it this long *without* stabbing him? Amazing, isnt it?
And no, it wasnt over who got to pick up the check for dinner this evening although I did get to pay. I think it was because Larry was bleeding too severely to get his money out.
What happened was this. While we were waiting for dinner, we amused ourselves by playing with the cutlery (like you do!). We had all seen a variation on the same knife trick (for those of you whove seen Aliens, its the knife trick that the android Bishop does to Bill Paxton) where you place your hand, palm down on a table and stab a knife blade, as quickly as possible back and forth between your fingers. (Hey it is a Disney Trip after all, you need some gratuitous violence just to make it fun -L.) I dont wish to get the child welfare board involved in this incident but I feel that I must point out that they let me do this trick on Ed first before any of the adults volunteered to let me try it with them.
Ed was wise beyond his years and put his hand down on the table first and then I put mine over it and thus was, in effect, sheltering his hand with my own as I rapidly stabbed between our fingers. Larry, on the other hand, wanted to try it next, but put his hand on top of mine--something I warned him about, by the way. Sure enough, next thing you know, Larry let out a yelp and yanked his nearly-severed hand away. Okay, it only made a small blood blister but I was appalled at the fact that I had stabbed my host and the number one trip report writer in the nation (retired-L). Larry bet me that I would neglect to include this part in my trip report so I had to confess to it in order to keep my street cred as a writer.
(Well never mind your creditability, though I must say how much I'm enjoying your Trip Report by the way, and I'm sorry Im ruining it for you, with my comments, though I guess they will all get edited out by the time the world gets to read it. The most important thing that we should all remember is, that YOU STABBED ME!!! Can I point out that I only cried for a very short time, and didn't wet through more than four or five paper hankies with my tears. I think I was pretty brave considering that YOU MAIMED MY HAND. - L.
PS Readers will be pleased to know that after weeks of physiotherapy, I'm starting to get some feeling in my hand now, and I should be able to drive again pretty soon. )
We had kind of a knife theme going the whole meal because Larry, in an attempt to return the favor of my stabbing him in the hand, showed me how to play tunes on the flat wear using only a knife blade and the table top. Pretty impressive. I can tell Im going to be in big demand at parties from here on out.
After we staunched the flow of blood from Larrys hand, we walked back to the marina and queued up for the Panoramagique balloon ride. We had to wait for several trips before it was our turn but the evening was very nice and no one much minded the wait.
The trip itself was awesome. We went up quite high. In fact, you could see the Eiffel Tower, all lit up, from the balloon. All the lights of the Village and the two parks and, farther away, Paris, were beautiful from so far up. (The balloon was a bit of a highlight for me, I used to go gliding, so I miss the peace of being quietly at a thousand feet or more looking down at the sights below, so it was nice to get that feeling again. - L.)
After the balloon ride we took the bus back to our hotel (having a miniature thumb war tournament on the way). It was midnight by the time we got back to our rooms. We agreed to meet up at 8:45 the next day and said our good-nights. I found a phone down in the lobby that I could call home from and I was up talking to my Mom and then to my sister, Paula, until 2:30.
Robin 41 Trip Report writer, Bringer of Good Weather, Recently Relieved of Duties as Trip Planner
Larry - 46 - Host, Walking Compendium of Knowledge, and Trip Report god.
Jill - (no way would I betray a confidence without permission) - Keeper of the Passports, Park Navigator, and First in Line
Greg - 17 - Quiet Teenager, Purveyor of Dry Wit and Sarcastic Remarks
Ed - 14 - Runescape Addict, Chief Dog Walker, and Professional Conversationalist
Pippin/Killer - 4 months - Official Wilmot Poodle, Beggar of Table Scraps, Eater of Baked Goods
Friday, July 15, 2005
Lets go see ***** and Stitch.
Today we woke with a singleness of mind that only the most noble of pursuits can supply. A joining of forces. A combining of resources. Two nations coming together to forge bonds and accomplish great things. Yes, thats right. We were going to experience all the attractions in Walt Disney Studios in ONE DAY.
Some of you might remember that, a few years back, Larry proved (In a very scientific and thoroughly controlled double-blind method using statistical sampling, placebos, test subjects, focus groups, exit interviews, mayonnaise, and rope--or perhaps he just used himself and a ten-dollar Timex watch! - (It was a Ten Dollar Wal Mart Watch, which all the black paint peeled off, rather quickly - L) that the Studios was only two-thirds of a park by visiting every attraction in less than one day. We planned to duplicate that study today (for no particular reason other than the fact that it was now a matter of pride).
We met up at 8:30, took the bus to Disney Village, walked the short distance to the Studios entrance, and were soon on the French equivalent of Hollywood Boulevard, which happens to be conveniently located indoors. I suppose having the main entrance, restaurants and shops indoors comes in handy in case of bad weather. (That is true, but there is very little glamour or excitement, compared with the MGM street, to me it looks like some neon and cardboard cut outs in an aircraft hanger, give me MGM Studio's every time - even if it is raining. - L)
The choice for first ride of the day was unanimously Rock n Rollercoaster (RnRC) and so we headed there first. We were denied however as they were experiencing technical difficulties. (Yes I have a theory that there were not enough people in the park to bother to staff it for the first hour or so, thereby saving lots of French Francs, sorry Euros - but that looks bad, so why not say technical difficulties? - I could be wrong there and if DLP decide to sue, then just remember this is Robin's TR, I'm just commenting a bit, kinda hardly at all really. Anyway I don't agree with me, - It's Roy Disney's Fault he got us all rebellious. - L.)
Greg, the ever-hungry teenager was quick to point out that this would be a good time to get some breakfast so we went back to the entrance and queued up at the Restaurant en Coulisse (which somehow must translate as McDonalds because thats what the restaurant is). They had a special which consisted of orange juice, hot chocolate or coffee, a croissant (hey, it is France), and a pan du chocolate (No. We didnt have an actual PAN of chocolate. Its French for bread. I know, I know. Its like those French have a different word for everything!). Theres nothing like some pastry-intensive dining to get you going for the rest of the day.
Since we were back at the front of the park, we decided to hop on the Studio Tram Tour. Jeremy Irons is the English narrator for the Tram Tour which has much of the same elements as the one at WDW. Catastrophe Canyon was much the same but they also have a London street scene from Reign of Fire where they toast things up a bit as well.
After the Tram Tour, we made our way back to Rock n Rollercoaster, which was up and running (and a walk-on). We went through so quickly that we didnt get to see the pre-show portion with Aerosmith. Little did I know what a blessing that was until I had to suffer through it later! We held back one limo so we could ride in the back. The ride itself is every bit as good as the one in WDW. (Though it is themed differently its more of the inside of the concert hall rather than the drive to the gig!! - And Robin you have to agree that compared with Florida, the outside is CHEAP with a capital Chee - L)
It was almost 10:30 by now, which was the starting time for the Moteurs...Action! stunt show. One word of warning about touring with Larry Wilmot: most of his comments begin with the statement When I was in *this* show.... mainly because he has a knack for getting picked to be in productions. This happened to be the case as we were walking to the stunt show!
We found some seats in the stands right as they were asking for volunteers for the show. Faster than you could say I want to be a Beet! Larry was out of his seat and waving his arms wildly. Needless to say, he was chosen. Feigning surprise and humility that someone as quiet and shy by nature would be chosen, he made his way down to the front of the stands where he (and several other volunteers) were interviewed and had a small audition for the show (which was projected on giant video screens so everyone could see). (Gosh the shame of it, I'm sure I had a spot on my face, and on the screen it was four feet across. Yuky Do. -L)
I wont give away all the tricks of the show but I must say that Larry did a nice job of getting shot in the leg and an even nicer job of limping. In fact, his acting skills at being shot at were so convincing, I think he may have mafia connections or something. (Now don't ever mess with Robin, because she has REAL connections- L)
Next up was the 11:30 showing of CineMagique, a tribute to 100 years of movies. Every time we went past the Production Courtyard (an area right outside the indoor Hollywood Boulevard), they were having the Lilo and Stitch Surfin Show. Actually, the French title is Lilo and Stitch Surfent sur la Vague which seems to mean Lilo and Stitchs vague surfing adventure. For some reason, Minnie and Pluto join in this production which is la tradition familiale hawaienne where they danser le Houla. (I swear, I am not making that up--its actually in the program!)
About the fifth time we went past and heard the same songs and dialogue, Larry remarked Oh great, its that darn ***** and Stitch again! I think it took him a minute to realize why I had to lay down on the pavement I was laughing so hard! (I like to think of that show as the Jigsaw Show, that's because I've seen all of it, but not in the right order and I'm pretty sure I said Oh its that Dido and Stitch again- L)
Now, where was I? Oh yes, CineMagique. Unbeknownst to me, the Wilmots engineered it so that I sat down beside a Cast Member who is part of the show (eventually turning into Martin Short--not a bad trick). The show itself was decent enough. (Decent enough, what kind of review is that????? It's a great show, using all kinds of cinemagique to remind you of the great heritage of Films, that we have, not only the Hollywood contribution but that of Europe as well. - L - You're not cross with me are you Robin?)
It was now time to head back to the Backlot area to see Armageddon. While we waited in line, I got some bottled water for us since it was a very warm day today. Armageddon is kind of a special effects show where you go into a room made to look like a set from the movie and then experience a scene with special effects (with actual fire very close to you, which was pretty impressive). (Oh Gosh Robin, thanks for the water, we were sweltering by then, it was like the relief of Maffakin when you brought those bottles to us. - L.)
Since we were so close to RnRC, we decided to hop on again (except for Jill who said once a trip was enough for her), this time getting in the front of the limo. We also had to suffer through the pre-show this time. Like at WDW, you go into a recording studio and, also like WDW, Aerosmith is there, but thats where the similarities stop. Oh yes, they dont have Illeana Douglas as the manager in this version, but some cheap Illeana Douglas look-a-like.
Steven Tyler says something about having a dream about an elevator? or doing loops? or some other drug-induced experience that makes absolutely no sense, while the rest of the band and the manager look-a-like stare at him, puzzled, blinking like cows. I think even they are confused. The fact that the film is in English makes it even worse because I couldnt blame the language barrier for the nonsensical dialogue. The film is also (perhaps mercifully) very short--maybe 45 seconds, tops. A complete phone-in from Aerosmith. (It probably took them longer to cash the fee, than it took them to make the film. - It is very disappointing. I love the finger wagging Lisa Minnelli woman in the original, and it's quite impressive that you know her real name Robin. - L)
After RnRC, we went to the Animation Courtyard where we rode the Flying Carpets of Agrabah. This ride is like the Aladdin ride at the Magic Kingdom at WDW, but without the water-spitting camels. Greg gave this ride a miss and went to find us a spot for the Disney Cinema Parade.
After our ride, we caught up with Greg who had found a nice shady spot on some grass near the end of the parade route. Larry got some water for us and we had a nice 15 minute rest before the parade started. Greg slept sprawled out on the grass under a tree through the entire parade and Larry had a 10 minute power nap before it started. The parade itself was cute and had lots of characters in it and floats from some of the more popular Disney films (even an Incredibles one - Go Holly Hunter Go. - L ).
It was just slightly past 2:00 when the parade was over and we decided that lunch was in order. We ate at the Backlot Express where everyone had croque monsieurs (kind of like a French grilled ham and cheese sandwich, only with the cheese part on top). Jill and Greg had fruit tarts, Ed had a cookie, and Larry and I split a cream puff for dessert. (Robin means a chocolate éclair?)
After lunch, since we were so close (I know, I know, that always seems to be my excuse), we took one more ride on Rock n Rollercoaster. (Like you do)
Next, we headed to the 3:15 show of Anamagique (the French are very big on magique apparently). Larry was keen to do this because he said he could sleep through the pink elephant bits. The show has roughly the same plot as Mickeys Philharmagic (or, should I say Philharmagique?), only with live characters and puppets (think Philharmagic meets Voyage of The Little Mermaid) and, yes there are quiet a few pink elephant bits. The most disturbing element however (aside from the theme song which is every bit as annoying--and hard to get off your mind--as It's a Small World), was the fact that Baloo was wearing a grass skirt and a coconut-shell bra. (Hey he likes to express his feminine side. - L)
Also annoying was an announcement done by childrens voices at the beginning of the show. One child had a highly amusing lisp and I laughed until my stomach hurt as he said something about having to bwake your cam-a-wah. Now thats comedy.
After his power nap before the parade, Larry didnt sleep through the pink elephant bits, but Jill and Ed had a nice nap for the entire production. I think Anamagique just about finished Greg off because once it was over, he left us to go back to the hotel.
Next up was the Art of Disney Animation which consists of several displays, an animation demonstration, and then a film about animation. Ed thought it was highly amusing that I cried at Bambi (hey, they killed his mother!). (Hey I have six Thumpers for sale on EBay btw. - Never miss an opportunity to get sales thats my motto.)
The final attraction of the park (and Im sorry to say that we didnt save the best for last) was the Television Production Tour. Three words: Wallows In Lameness! This is nothing but a series of rooms with television monitors which play clips from the Disney Channel and are narrated by the most annoyingly sugar-coated French girl known to man. At least in Superstar Limo at DLR (the previously most inane ride in any Disney park), you get to sit down for the stupid ride. Here you had to walk through and then stand in all of the rooms. We all agreed that we could never go to this attraction (and I use the term attraction *very* loosely here) again, and still die happy.
At the end of the Television Production Tour, in a vain attempt to console you, they dump you into a room that has several hands-on video games and Magic Easel drawing displays. They also have a CyberSpace Mountain like at Disney Quest, but the queue was tremendous. We did play around with some of the displays for a few minutes before leaving.
(I can't over emphasise how bad this attraction is, it is terrible, shocking, a travesty. Unless you are trying to beat my record for doing all the attractions in the park, then UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO THIS ATTRACTION. - If you want to do Cyber Space Mountain, sneak in the back, - L.)
It was now a little before 5:00 and we had finished all of the attractions at the Studios (and done RnRC three times, I might add). We walked out of the park to Disney Village where we picked up some post cards (and a phone card for me so I could call home (RG Phone Home, isn't that a Universal Film?). We checked on train times in order to go into Paris the next morning (they run pretty much every 15 or 20 minutes all day long) and then decided to meet up for dinner around 7:30.
The Wilmots went back to the hotel while I went to Disneyland in order to do some shopping. The parade had just ended and the shops were all fairly busy so I wound up going in to Fantasyland and having a look around there--just walking around and soaking up the atmosphere. The style of Fantasyland in Paris is more like the Fantasyland in California than the one in Florida.
After a while I took the bus back to the hotel, got a coke and freshened up a bit. I tried calling home, but couldnt figure out how to make the phone card work.
We all met up at 7:30 and took the bus to Disney Village. Here is where they have Buffalo Bills Wild West Show, several bars and nightspots, restaurants including McDonalds, Planet Hollywood, and the Rainforest Cafe, a movie theater and, of course, shopping.
They also have a bucking bronco machine, and I was terribly disappointed that Robin wouldnt have a go on it. I mean she is from TEXAS after all. She probably didn't want to upset the French people by staying on for ten minutes and showing off. - L
The plan for the evening was to go and visit some of the Disney hotels and have dinner at one of their restaurants. We walked through Disney Village to Lake Disney and the Marina. At the marina, they have a tethered hot air balloon (Panoramagique, to be precise--I told you they were big on Magique here) that you can go up in, which looked quite fun. We checked out the price and found it a bargain at 12 euros per person, so we decided that wed come back after dinner (and after it got dark) and give it a try. (Don't let them know we think it is a bargain, they will put the price up, I mean if someone as mean (sorry thrifty) as me doesnt mind paying that much it must be under priced. - L)
Situated around Lake Disney are the Hotel New York, the Sequoia Lodge (like the Wilderness Lodge) and the Newport Bay Club (like the Beach/Yacht Club). The Hotel Sante Fe and the Cheyenne are a short distance farther.
We came to the Hotel New York first, where the buildings are designed to look like the Manhattan skyline. They have a Rockefeller Center behind the resort that has an ice skating rink in the winter time.(Done the real thing in NYC. I was terrified, though Robin was like Torville or Dean or someone. - L) For now, it was housing a bike run. (No ordinary bike run, but bikes with different sized wheels with concentric hubs so the wobble. - Hey it's fun not exercise we are after - L.) We checked out the menu at their restaurant before moving on to the Sequoia Lodge.
They had two restaurants at the Sequoia and we perused their menus as well and then continued walking along the lake to the Newport Bay Club. The Newport Bay also had two restaurants (the Yacht Club and the Cape Cod), both of which were closed for refurbishment.
We decided to eat at the Hunter Grill at the Sequoia Lodge. They had no tables available in the non-smoking section, but could get us in the smoking section right away. Luckily, no one was smoking in that section, and so, as we were all getting pretty hungry by now, we decided to sit there.
We all got the special which started with a frisson salad with lardon and a soft boiled egg (lovely sounding, isnt it?). It turns out that lardon is pretty much ham (though even I know with my limited French, that jambon is ham as well). The salad was very good and we all enjoyed the lardon, regardless of what it was (and who can resist a frisson?). (Frisson is OK in small doses if you ask me -L)
The main course consisted of grilled pork, sausage, chicken, and steak which was served with corn, French fries, and grilled pineapple. For dessert we all tried the brownie sundae with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream, except for Ed who got to go to the kids dessert bar. The dinner was very good and we were quite stuffed when we were through.
Okay, in order to remain an unbiased journalist and to keep my reputation for unwaveringly reporting all the newsworthy events (dont laugh--we trip report writers have a code of ethics too, its just kind of a wobbly one!), I suppose Im going to have to mention the fact that it was at dinner this particular evening that I stabbed Larry. Yes, I admit it, I stabbed him. I can hear you asking now, But Robin, how on earth did you exercise such control and make it this long *without* stabbing him? Amazing, isnt it?
And no, it wasnt over who got to pick up the check for dinner this evening although I did get to pay. I think it was because Larry was bleeding too severely to get his money out.
What happened was this. While we were waiting for dinner, we amused ourselves by playing with the cutlery (like you do!). We had all seen a variation on the same knife trick (for those of you whove seen Aliens, its the knife trick that the android Bishop does to Bill Paxton) where you place your hand, palm down on a table and stab a knife blade, as quickly as possible back and forth between your fingers. (Hey it is a Disney Trip after all, you need some gratuitous violence just to make it fun -L.) I dont wish to get the child welfare board involved in this incident but I feel that I must point out that they let me do this trick on Ed first before any of the adults volunteered to let me try it with them.
Ed was wise beyond his years and put his hand down on the table first and then I put mine over it and thus was, in effect, sheltering his hand with my own as I rapidly stabbed between our fingers. Larry, on the other hand, wanted to try it next, but put his hand on top of mine--something I warned him about, by the way. Sure enough, next thing you know, Larry let out a yelp and yanked his nearly-severed hand away. Okay, it only made a small blood blister but I was appalled at the fact that I had stabbed my host and the number one trip report writer in the nation (retired-L). Larry bet me that I would neglect to include this part in my trip report so I had to confess to it in order to keep my street cred as a writer.
(Well never mind your creditability, though I must say how much I'm enjoying your Trip Report by the way, and I'm sorry Im ruining it for you, with my comments, though I guess they will all get edited out by the time the world gets to read it. The most important thing that we should all remember is, that YOU STABBED ME!!! Can I point out that I only cried for a very short time, and didn't wet through more than four or five paper hankies with my tears. I think I was pretty brave considering that YOU MAIMED MY HAND. - L.
PS Readers will be pleased to know that after weeks of physiotherapy, I'm starting to get some feeling in my hand now, and I should be able to drive again pretty soon. )
We had kind of a knife theme going the whole meal because Larry, in an attempt to return the favor of my stabbing him in the hand, showed me how to play tunes on the flat wear using only a knife blade and the table top. Pretty impressive. I can tell Im going to be in big demand at parties from here on out.
After we staunched the flow of blood from Larrys hand, we walked back to the marina and queued up for the Panoramagique balloon ride. We had to wait for several trips before it was our turn but the evening was very nice and no one much minded the wait.
The trip itself was awesome. We went up quite high. In fact, you could see the Eiffel Tower, all lit up, from the balloon. All the lights of the Village and the two parks and, farther away, Paris, were beautiful from so far up. (The balloon was a bit of a highlight for me, I used to go gliding, so I miss the peace of being quietly at a thousand feet or more looking down at the sights below, so it was nice to get that feeling again. - L.)
After the balloon ride we took the bus back to our hotel (having a miniature thumb war tournament on the way). It was midnight by the time we got back to our rooms. We agreed to meet up at 8:45 the next day and said our good-nights. I found a phone down in the lobby that I could call home from and I was up talking to my Mom and then to my sister, Paula, until 2:30.
I'm enjoying myself. Thanks.
"vague" is the French word for "wave" (big blue wet things) 
