Lightsabers, Mouse Kisses and a Man in a Lucky Shirt! A January 2010 TR

[Mndisneygirl]

Wow again! You guys really kicked it at DHS! I can't believe how much you got done already!

I'm sure Ken was thrilled to have his acting appreciated by so many! Plus the dance moves on that guy! Woooeee!

I still am not convinced I could do RnRC. You know that "takes your breath away" part? I really like my breath to stay with me. I mean, there's "he's so handsome he takes your breath away" and then there's "OMG I can't breathe" takes your breath away. Plus the loop! I'm thinking no. I like my insides to stay in their places.

 

[praisehisname]

Let me tell you, that cupcake is QUITE large. It actually casts a shadow.

You weren't kidding about the shadow; that thing is huge! The fruit tart looks better, though; glad you liked it!

Sounds like you've had a very productive day at DHS so far!

Denise

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

CHAPTER 4: Part 3.....

When we were done watching the parade, we decided that it was time for a little refreshment! We trooped over to the little place over near Sunset Market Ranch and used 2 more snack credits for a couple of VERY yummy Frozen Lemonades!!! While we were enjoying those in a nicely shaded spot (it was really quite warm that day!) Ken went and filled up our water bottles! It was around 3:30pm at this point!

After our feet had a little break and we were finished our Lemonades, Em and I decided to go back for some more thrills and turns on RnRc!!! Too Much Fun!!!!!! I could totally ride this over and over!!! It almost rivals TSM for my fave ride at DHS!!!

We met back up with Ken and Nat and headed over to the Theatre to see Lights, Motors, Action!! The origianl plan was to see Beauty and the Beast, but the girls decided they would rather see LMA!!! Do I have cool kids or what?!

It was definitely the same show as last year but still VERY awesome!!! Actually we did get to seee a part that we didn't last year! The part where the guys swings on a rope over to the jet ski! Our day at DHS last year was THE COLDEST day in WDW last year!! I guess because of that they had decided to leave out the water parts!? Anywho, it is still a great show and we enjoyed it very much!

When we finally got out of the Theatre it was about 5:05pm. We decided to go and have our last ride on TSM for the day! This time we let the girls ride together and Ken and I teamed up together. Unfortunately, our score keepers were NOT working so we had no idea of what our scores were until the very end! THIRD ride – slightly disappointing, but STILL SO MUCH FUN!!!

When we were done our ride, we very slowly made our way over to SciFi where we had a 5:55pm ADR!!! I was most excited about this ADR! I had read so many conflicting reviews on this place but I was excited none the less to discover it on our own!!

We arrived at 5:45 to check in! They were turning away walk ins! There were many sad and disappointed faces leaving the restaurant as we walked in! I hoped that it wouldn't mean our service would be poor! I checked in and we sat only for a few minutes before being called in at exactly 5:55!

We were led to our Car and it was right up at the very front of the Drive in! We let the girls have the front seat which they thought was VERY cool! They were immediately captured by the shows on the screen.

Our server came and introduced himself. His name was Ryan! He was GREAT!!! He took our drink orders and talked to the girls about their fave rides that day! I had a Vanilla Coke, Ken had a Oreo Milk Shake and I think the girls had Shirley Temples! We waited maybe 5 minutes before our drinks arrived and when Ryan returned we were ready to order our food!

Ken and I both had the ribs with fries/ coleslaw and the black bean relish. That relish was SOOOOO yummy! Emily had tomato soup and a burger with fries. Her soup smelled soo good! Nat had the cheese pizza with veggies and fruit! All of the food was just wonderful!!!

For dessert, Ken chose the Peanut /butter Chocolate cake (as I knew he would!) and I had the Celebration cheesecake. We sampled a taste of each others. Both were very scrumptious! Emily had her ice cream sundae and Nat just had her fruit. I shared some the “treats” from my cheesecake with her! I'll tell you, for a kid who is Lactose intolerant, ice cream being the only option for dessert is kind of unfair. We tried to accommodate her whenever we could by giving her some of our dessert!

The ONLY thing that I have to say that is not complimentary about SciFi is that it was REALLY cold in there! Oh and the speakers on the cars were REALLY loud. Nat had an earache at the end of the evening. Other than those 2 things our time there was awesome! We will definitely eat there again some day! Great food, Excellent service and a really fun atmosphere!

We were finished by just shortly after 7pm. The park was now closed! We decided to go and see if the Star Tours dump shop was still open. This brings us to another title explanation! On our trip last year, Emily made herself a Lightsaber at Once upon a Toy at DTD!!! This year was Natalie's turn! She wanted to make one at the Star Tours shop! Nat led the way to the shop and and was ecstatic to see that it was in fact still open!

She immediately got to work picking out her parts for her Lightsaber. She must have been thinking about it for a while cause she knew exactly what she wanted! The store was otherwise empty and there were quite a few Cms just standing around chatting . We had quite a nice time chatting with them as we browsed around and waited for Nat to finish her Lightsaber!

When she was done she immediately wanted her picture taken with her new weapon! She went outside just out side the store and stuck a pose! I tried several times to get a good shot but the lighting was just too dark. Ken tried resetting the camers and we finally got one good shot! She was so happy!

As we left the store and headed towards Hollywood Boulevard a CM saw us walking and called to us the park was and had been closed for sometime and that we needed to be leaving! She wasn't exactly friendly!

As we approached “The Hat” we noticed that there were still Photopass photographers out! We went over and had a few pictures taken and then finally found our way out!!! We were on a bus by 7:45pm! We were back at POFQ before 8 and the girls were in their jammies, tucked into bed and fast asleep before 9!

I went to visit with some friends of ours from Home who just happened to be staying in the same building! I visited with them for about a half an hour and then went back to our room. I was in bed and fast asleep before 10! Another EXCELLENT day in Walt Disney World!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

What an awesome day! (Can you tell I'm just stalking your TR today? Work avoidance)
But for the rude CM at the end telling you to get out already, it sounds fabulous!
I've been wanting to eat at Sci Fi and still haven't made it over there. It's not on our list for the next trip either thanks to the DxDP plans! Oh well, it's not like I'm never going back!

 

[praisehisname]

Your Sci-Fi dinner sounds good! So glad Natalie got to make her lightsaber! I'm looking forward to seeing all your photopass pics!

Denise

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I'm so glad you enjoyed Sci-Fi! We absolutely love it. It was actually probably the best meal of our trip in November. I can never understand the bad reports on it.

YAY for Natalie getting to make her lightsaber! We have done that a time or two.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Yea for Sci-Fi!!! It's one of my favs. The peanut butter chocolate cake is what I had for dessert on my birthday! It is SOOOO good and the pic you posted made me drool a little. Overall...it looks like you had a fantastic day at DHS. 3 rides on TSMM, 2 rides on RNRC....how incredible.

 

[cinderella crazy]

We've enjoyed Sci-fi the two times we've eaten there. Our children like to watch all the old movie clips on the big screen.

We've never watched the parade at DHS. You've convinced me that we need to check it out!

 

[Firestarter]

Chapter 4: Hollywood or Bust!!!

Our alarms rang at 7am! We all roused ourselves and got to the business of preparing for a day in Hollywood! Disney's Hollywood Studios that is!! Showered washed and dressed we wolfed down some yogurt and poptarts. Prepared and ready for our day ahead we made our way to the bus stop. We were there by 7:45am!

Wall-E is prepped to get at that yogurt while Nat is distracted. She is often distracted at the table.

We did not have to wait long at all! By my notes we were on a bus by 7:56am! We headed for the back of the bus to the warm, toasty seats and settled in for the ride. We did head over to Riverside this morning but it did not take long. Only a small handful of people got on the bus and we were on our way by 8:03am!

Another quick ride and we were delivered to DHS by 8:15! As we approached the turstiles we were welcomed by a very friendly CM and asked if we were there afor breakfast. We told that in fact w were not and she directed us to the far right. I glanced over and saw a beautiful sight! TURNSTILES WITH NO LINES!!!!!

There are times where my wife's soundness of mind are put into question. When the children nag her from both sides at once would be one example. This moment on our trip would be another.

I quickly walked over to one of these and claimed my spot!!! FIRST IN LINE BABY!!! OH YEAH!!!!!At that moment, I thought of my good friend Jenjolt who back on her trip in October had had such an experience and immediately launched into my “first in line victory dance!” Ken just had to capture it on film!

Here we have an example of the disboardus zanius, performing her primitive ritual to appease the spirits of the turnstile altars. They are often noted for their long strides and hastened gait towards ropes.

Once I was assured that our space in line was in no immeadiate threat, I conceded to take the girls to the washrroom! Poor things had been dancing too, only NOT so much in victory but in discomfort! Once we returned it was not a long wait before the gates opened and we were let in to Hollywood Boulevard! It was 8:45am!

Serious, this woman was SO unbelievably OCD regarding the time. Thank heaven she bought that watch the first night. I would have mugged the white rabbit to get a watch just to keep her from asking the time.

I managed to keep Through what Olympic speedwalkers technically describe as “dang fast shuffling” our precious spot and were literally belly up to the rope when we were stopped for the morning's opening show! This was partially from the press of people behind, and partly from paranoia that Flat Stanley just might try to get to Toy Story Mania before us. We chatted with some of the “Toys” from TSM who came out to give us some special instructions. There was a bit of construction going on along Hollywood Blvd. They wanted to make sure that we walked around the wet concrete and not through it! On return trip the “construction” was over and the boulevard was clear. Methinks this was a ploy to slow down the lead pack of sprinters.

Before too long, the director arrived! Now it must be said that of all the opening shows, this one has to be our fave! I love Hollywood Studios because the cast members will verbally interact with you. Tigger's hand gestures for “what do you think of Obama's Medicare policy” or “which is better, the eggs or the bacon” leave much to be interpreted.We (Ken especially) are great fans of Mr. Alberto Dante and his assistant Bucky Greenwood! They are so much fun! We very much enjoy being cast as “extras” in Mr. Dante's movie!

It will be a sad, sad time when this talented and affable actor retires from WDW.

DANTE! “Often imitated, never nominated...”

We said our line “Hollywood Here We come!” and took off behind the CM's for the Toy Story Morning March! I did a 13km (8.5 mile) forced march in basic training. The seargent was nicer than some of the Mom's who were attempting to dislocate their little dear's shoulders. Man, do those guys ever walk FAST!!! I managed to keep up with them but JUST barely! I had to really push myself to avoid being pushed aside by taller people with longer legs! When given the choice between family and being closer in line for FastPasses for Toy Story Mania, Kim grew small in the distance.

I had the tickets so I hit the Fast pass machines while Ken and the girls waited just off to the side! I had decided not to line jump that morning as there were CMs everywhere cautioning families to “STAY TOGETHER”! With fastpasses in hand we headed toward the standby line. I wanted to take some nice pictures and enjoy the work on that amazing line. The press of linear humanity decided otherwise.

It was exactly 9:05am! We were definitely some of the first 100 people to ride TSM that morning! First ride down – EXCELLENT!!! Just as much fun as we remembered it to be!

Sadly Kim's skill didn't improve from playing the Wii game of Toy Story Mania we bought. Neither did mine.

Taken at a trot.

Emily was happy. Her face just couldn't register it.

After our ride with Andy's Toys, we strolled down Sunset Boulevard so Ken could experience the Tower of Terror! On our way we stopped to do some pics with a Photopass photographer. (which I will add once my CD arrives) None of us girls was willing to accompany Ken into the Hollywood Hotel so we waited for him in the gift shop! While there, Emily found and purchased herself a pair of POTC sunglasses! Pirate shades, as she likes to call them!

Wusses, all. The Tower of Terror was less a thrill ride and more a genius of atmosphere and special effects. Their loss. That 'basement' was just perfect.

Interesting that the stand by line read 13 minutes...

After his ride, Ken rejoined us and we went to redeem our Fps for TSM and get more! It was about 9:40 at this point. As we walked down Sunset, a CM we had just passes called Emily by name and said that there was a phone call for her!!! He handed her a phone and we all stood there wondering who it could be! She suddenly got a big grin on her face and said “Mama, it's Goofy! He is singing Happy Birthday to me!”

This just makes me curious to what Goofy says if you're newlyweds...

On that note I guess I should explain to you that, YES, we were in fact celebrating Em's 9th birthday a teensy bit 23 days or 4.6% early this year! Her birthday is actually this Wednesday, the 17th! So, she was in fact wearing a birthday button! What a wonderful little piece of magic for my sweet little girl! It made her day!

We continued on our way. Procured another set of Fps and then rode TSM with our first set! Second ride down – STILL AMAZING!!! By this time, it was about 10ish, we were feeling a bit hungry. We decided to go and have a mid morning snack. Starring Rolls, here we come! Look out Giant cupcakes, Ken is on his way!!!

We used 3 snack credits for the Butterfinger cupcake, a fresh fruit tart and a cinnamon Bun. All of them were so very yummy! Let me tell you, that cupcake is QUITE large. It actually casts a shadow. The tart was very tasty. I could eat one of those every day! The cinnamon bun was about equal to one we would get at Tim Horton's but still VERY yummy!

When I make puns like this they all groan. At Disney they take a picture.

This cupcake was so sweet and rich it actually slowed my metabolism down. I believe I could differentiate between light waves and particles after 3/4's of the treat.

Snack completed we decided to head over and check out the line for Star Tours. The stand by line was at about 25 mins and there were no Fps being offered so we decided to go see Muppets with the hopes that the line would shorten.
The lineup was due to the stage show that was starting in 10 minutes.

Others may say that Muppets is old and run down and due for a rehab. No, that is what they say about Brittney Spears. I say that it is one of my favourite show in all of WDW!!! I will ALWAYS be impressed with how the theatre gets damaged when the cannon goes off! TOO COOL!!!
I love the jokes. The muppets are hilarious. Sadly this film was made when “annoying yet plucky comic relief” was still the norm.

After Muppets we went to check on the Star Tours line. It was a 5 min standby wait!!!! We went in and got on right away!!! Nat was so excited about riding this for her first time! She LOVED it!!! Wanted to do it again immediately! We told her that we would ride it again later.

Natalies economy of Trust. I predicted she would like Pirates of the Caribbean. Terrified before she rode it, loved it afterwards. Dad Cred +0

I predicted she would like Star Tours. She was terrified of it before riding, loved it afterwards. Dad Cred +0.

Took a break to hit the powder rooms and then headed to Pizza Planet for some lunch!

Guys don't have powder rooms, we have powder kegs. And Bathrooms. They're kept in different places.

To be continued.........

Hopefully, you didn't finish the day!

 

[lexmas]

finally caught up! Ken's comments are hillarious.

Glad you didn't leave anything on the plane this time! I lost my favorite sweatshirt on a plane once, it upset me so much for such a little thing. I filed a "lost item" report but nothing ever came of it. You would think it wouldn't be too hard to find it...they know the plane and the seat number.

Your trip sounds like a lot of fun so far! I haven't been on a rollercoaster in a long time, so I'm sure I would be much more frightened than before I had kids.

The food at starring rolls looks amazing. I will have to stop there on my next trip!

We have the toy story wii game too. I think it would help with the aim if they sold controllers for it shaped like the ride ones. Shooting and pulling are different actions.

Can't wait for more!

 

[Disneychix]

Great day at DHS!! You did so much!

You're pix and review of Sci Fi make me want to try eating there someday

 

[Mndisneygirl]

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY EMILY!!!
From your Minnesota friends - Dave, Sheree, Sarah and Paige!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Wow! What a jam-packed morning. It pays to go early doesn't it?

I feel so bad - I knew Emily's b-day was around now, just couldn't remember the date. Sarah's card to her will be late. Cute that the CMs do nice stuff like that for kids!

It REALLY does pay to get to ANY park early!!! You can get so much done!!! Our next trip we will be definitely taking use of the Park Hopper and EMH hours to really get LOTS done!!!!!

Don't feel bad! Em loves getting mail!!! She will be so happy to have something from Sarah even if it is a late card!!

How awesome to be first in line!!! I've never been able to experience that (yet!) but I hope to some day. I can't wait to hear more about your DHS day!

It is a great feeling! Although I really could have used a coffee that morning!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

How awesome that Ken got chosen as an extra!!!! I always thought that would be so much fun. I must admit, I haven't seen a daytime parade at WDW in years and years. They all look so wonderful! Maybe someday we will have to stop and watch one of them. RNRC is my DH's all time favorite ride in all of WDW. I felt so bad when he didn't get to ride it on our June trip (due to single rider line issues). I will make sure he gets to ride it whenever our next trip may be (keep your fingers crossed that he lets us go this fall!).

That is one of the things that Disney does EXTREMELY well - Parades!!! Block Party BAsh is No exception!!! It rocks! You should definitely check it out next time! I really hope you guys get to go this year!! Fall would be amazing!

Yep that's me, super speedy!!

Another great update! How fun that Ken was chosen as an extra! My DH was chosen as an extra in the Backlot Tour show a few years ago, is was hilarious!

As you know I just LOVE RNRC! My all time favorite ride! So glad you and Em got to enjoy it!

Em LOVED Rnrc!!! I think she too could ride it over and over again!!! A definite must do for our next trip!!

I would never be brave enough to actually volunteer for anything like that! Kudos to those people who do it!

Wow again! You guys really kicked it at DHS! I can't believe how much you got done already!

I'm sure Ken was thrilled to have his acting appreciated by so many! Plus the dance moves on that guy! Woooeee!

I still am not convinced I could do RnRC. You know that "takes your breath away" part? I really like my breath to stay with me. I mean, there's "he's so handsome he takes your breath away" and then there's "OMG I can't breathe" takes your breath away. Plus the loop! I'm thinking no. I like my insides to stay in their places.

We knew it was our ONLY day there so we planned to do as much as possible!! There was so much we didn't do though.....

Ken WAS so pumped that got to be in the show!! He did a super job too! I was so proud of him!!

You should definitely try RnRc at least once in your life!!! JUST DO IT!!! It is really fast - only last like a minute, and then it's over! The first time I rode it when the "take off" happened I had a 5 second panic attack and thought "OMG, why did I do this?" and then it was just SO MUCH FUN!!!! I actually enjoyed it more than Space Mountain!!

You weren't kidding about the shadow; that thing is huge! The fruit tart looks better, though; glad you liked it!

Sounds like you've had a very productive day at DHS so far!

Denise

We DID have a great day!!! I think next time we go we will have to do at least 1.5 days or maybe even 2 full days there just so we can RELAX!!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

What an awesome day! (Can you tell I'm just stalking your TR today? Work avoidance)
But for the rude CM at the end telling you to get out already, it sounds fabulous!
I've been wanting to eat at Sci Fi and still haven't made it over there. It's not on our list for the next trip either thanks to the DxDP plans! Oh well, it's not like I'm never going back!

GET BACK TO WORK You are too funny! You guys definitely have to try Sci Fi some day!! The ribs are SOOOOOO yummers!!

Your Sci-Fi dinner sounds good! So glad Natalie got to make her lightsaber! I'm looking forward to seeing all your photopass pics!

Denise

Hopefully my Photopass pics will arrive soon, I am excited to see them all too

I'm so glad you enjoyed Sci-Fi! We absolutely love it. It was actually probably the best meal of our trip in November. I can never understand the bad reports on it.

YAY for Natalie getting to make her lightsaber! We have done that a time or two.

I don't know why it gets such bad reviews either We loved it!! Just how many Lightsabers do your boys have??? Too many to count probably, eh?

Yea for Sci-Fi!!! It's one of my favs. The peanut butter chocolate cake is what I had for dessert on my birthday! It is SOOOO good and the pic you posted made me drool a little. Overall...it looks like you had a fantastic day at DHS. 3 rides on TSMM, 2 rides on RNRC....how incredible.

I will absolutely be having the Peanut Butter cake next time we eat there!! It was soooo good (of the little taste that I had )

We DID get a lot done that day! It helped that the crowds were pretty minimal!! The longest lines we saw were only about 25 mins! TSM was about 50 mins standby in mid afternoon!

We've enjoyed Sci-fi the two times we've eaten there. Our children like to watch all the old movie clips on the big screen.

We've never watched the parade at DHS. You've convinced me that we need to check it out!

The parade is a blast!! I wasn't sure about it either until I read another TR giving it That convinced me to see it!! Glad you will give it shot!! It is SUPER fun!!

finally caught up! Ken's comments are hillarious.

Glad you didn't leave anything on the plane this time! I lost my favorite sweatshirt on a plane once, it upset me so much for such a little thing. I filed a "lost item" report but nothing ever came of it. You would think it wouldn't be too hard to find it...they know the plane and the seat number.

Your trip sounds like a lot of fun so far! I haven't been on a rollercoaster in a long time, so I'm sure I would be much more frightened than before I had kids.

The food at starring rolls looks amazing. I will have to stop there on my next trip!

We have the toy story wii game too. I think it would help with the aim if they sold controllers for it shaped like the ride ones. Shooting and pulling are different actions.

Can't wait for more!

That is a GREAT idea!! We need to convince Nintendo to come out with a pull string cannon to go with the TSM Wii game!! Definitely try the fruit tart @ Starring Rolls!! It was heavenly! So yummy but it didn't give me huge sugar rush!

Great day at DHS!! You did so much!

You're pix and review of Sci Fi make me want to try eating there someday

We had great crowds and a solid plan! We did as much as we could and still wished we had more time!

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY EMILY!!!
From your Minnesota friends - Dave, Sheree, Sarah and Paige!

Oh Sheree! Thanks so much!! She will be thrilled to pieces! I will make sure to show her your message when she gets home from school!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Just how many Lightsabers do your boys have??? Too many to count probably, eh?

Oh my, I don't even know -- I am going to guess about 7 or 8 at least!!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

It sounds like you had a great day at DHS! I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the Block Party Bash!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

It sounds like you had a great day at DHS! I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the Block Party Bash!

We DID love it!! It was after reading your TR and seeing YOUR pics that I decided we needed to see it! So, Thanks so much for sharing YOUR experience!!

 

[Firestarter]

CHAPTER 4 continued......

By this point it was just about 11:30am but we needed to eat a bit earlier so we could see the Indiana jones show at 12:45pm. We had recently watched the first Indy show with the girls and they both really excited to see the stunt show!

Thank you Walt Disney World for giving us a reason to watch our favorite movies with the kids. Star Wars. Indiana Jones. The Muppets.

Lunch was about as good as we had last year. Our other option for lunch that day had been the new place over on Sunset (Fairfax Fare??) but we didn't want to trek all the way across the park so we decided on Pizza Planet. The girls and I had pizza and Ken had a salad. He was quite impressed to see the name of the salad dressing! I guess he didn't remember that little detail from last year!

So I'm not that conceited. It's nice to be surprised by the same things. Kim could save money by re-wrapping last years birthday presents.

I chose a salad in hopes to be healthier and not over full from too much food. Wish I'd kept onto that. I blame the Rainforest Cafe Calypso Salad which made all other salads bland in comparison.

Oh No, someone pead in my salad! (so Sorry, but that joke does not get old)

Customized food, what doesn't Disney do for you?

We finished lunch at shortly after noon and since we had some time to kill and our window for more fastpasses had just opened Ken decided that He and Em would trek over to RnRc to grab some FP's for later. Nat and I decided to explore the Streets of America with the hopes of finding the much talked about “Umbrella”. We would meet up at the entrance to Indy at 1230pm.

Something happened to Emily and I on the way back, but I'll get to that a little further down.

Nat and I wandered through the Streets searching for the Umbrella while enjoying the “Mulch, Sweat & Shears” concert that was going on! They really ROCK!!! Awesome! I would love to enjoy their whole set sometime! If you have never heard them here is a link to a bit of their music.

We finally found the Umbrella and waited our turn for a photo op. I was only able to get a pic of Nat under the umbrella and there was nobody around to take a pic of both of us. Unfortunately we never did get back to that part of the park that day. Oh well, another time!



We met up with Ken and Em and were about to head in to grab some seats when Nat declared that she had to use the washroom. I took her while the other 2 went in to get seats. We rushed back just in time! I was just able to explain to Ken about how when I was a teen, my friend had been chosen to be an extra. He was all over that and when the call came, he started calling out and waving his arms furiously!

Odd bit of trivia. Her friend was the girl I dated when Kim failed to notice me, when I jumped onto the teeter-totter they were inexplicably riding as teenagers.

Note: Kim did NOT want me to volunteer for fear I would miss the show. I didn't, I was just sequestered to the far top right corner.



Now, about part of the title! This day, Ken just happened to be wearing one of his funky Hawaiian shirts! He wears one these shirts to work every Friday and declares it to be his “Lucky Shirt”

History of the Hawaiian shirt:

I first bought one to wear to a mid-winter beach party at Church. The bonus was I would look like Hoban Washburn (aka Wash) from Firefly.

I picked the most hideous shirt I could at a second hand store. 100% polyester, it was pink and powder blue. As a lark I wore it to work one Friday. I received more compliments that day than any other in my history of employment.

Since then I wear those shirts once or twice a week. They polarize opinion, people either love them or hate them. For me it is a fashion statement, the statement being “I'm the plucky comic relief in this scene.”

This style of shirt became “lucky” on this trip. It started out with Dante driving by Starring Rolls earlier in the day, while we were snacking. I ran over to the street curb and yelled “DANTE!”. He picked me out of the crowd (of a few people) and said “Hey you... in the Hawaiian shirt.”

Then when Emily and I were returning from getting the Rock-n-Roller coaster fastpasses we bumped into Dante's crew. We stopped and talked to them. Those cast members are SO fast on the adlibbing it made my head spin. All I could do was try to keep up to them. He remembered me from earlier in the day because of my, you guessed it, bright shirt.


Well, today defintiely was his Lucky Day! He was chosen to be an extra for the show!!! Now for those of who don't already know, Ken is an actor. He does drama for the weekend services at our church. He is very good! He is also the director of said Dramas. When he is not on stage he is the man behind the action!

I was encouraged to join the Church arts team after my impression of Gilbert Gottfreid at a talent show. My first role: Christ in the last supper. HUH?!

My most recent role was Jacob Marley and Old Joe in “A Christmas Carol” for our annual dinner theater, which ran for 6 nights with about 400 people per night in attendance. Bonus was Emily auditioned and was cast as one of the Cratchet girls. SO proud of her.

Needless to say, He was thrilled! He pretty much skipped down the stairs to the stage and never stopped smiling the whole time! If you have ever seen the show, he got to be the guy who “dies” from the bullet shots! He did a great job! I was so proud of him! I am sure that he will have more to say on the issue when he does his own commentary!

Being in front of hundreds of spectating strangers was not too difficult. I've done that part before, I love the attention. The death scene was hard though as the assistant director gives a “just die loud and slow” instruction. I forgot the loud (I'm not accustomed to melodrama) but my death scene was as physical, laboured and realistic as I could do. And he had a running commentary of humourous takes on my acting. Kim was a bit miffed at that but I knew it was a combination of good humour and keeping control of the show.

I'll let Kim decide if she can/will post the video. If you are curious on the acting side there are photos from some of the works I've done on fb.

How can you miss that shirt?

Keeping warm, looking like a jedi, trying not to fuss about the fact I look weird with bare legs and sneakers on with this near eastern tunic.

One last wave to the crowd before I'm killed off.

After a brilliant show we did yet another potty break and then decided to do the Great Movie Ride. I asked about the Cowboy side but unfortunately, they were only doing the Gangster side that day! Oh well, again, maybe something for another time! Ken and Natalie hadn't done this one last year because we thought Nat might be a bit afraid of the “Alien” part. We all went as a family this year and we all enjoyed it very much! Em so loved the Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins bits! 2 of her Fave movies!

Most spectacular thing about Disney that I observed this year: props and sets in queues and along the edges of rides. BETWEEN movie sets the walls are covered with items from the previous set. The attention to detail is breathtaking.

After our ride “through the movies” it was time to do some Rockin'!!! YUP, I was about to have my very first ride on Rockin' Roller Coaster! Em Too!!! Emily is just 50” tall and thrilled that could ride it this year!!! She was just a shade under 48 last year! It was AMAZING!!!!! So much so that we went and got MORE Fast Passes for another ride later!!!!!!!! I LOVE RnRc!!!!! The take off bit really takes your breath away!

While we were Rockin' out to Aerosmilth, Nat and Ken had gone on another Star Tour to try and reach the Moon of Endor! This is now Natalie's #1 favourite ride!!! We haven't yet told her about the rehab! We hope that it will be ready to see on our next visit! (Not sure when that will be yet!)

I actually preferred Star Tours to Rock-n-Roller Coaster. I had a bad memory of it last year, a long wait for a very short ride. Riding star tours with Nat was a highlight of the trip.

When we were all done with our rides, we met back near “The Hat” to find a spot to watch the parade! While were waiting we had some Photopass pics done. Some are Really cute! I will add them when my CD arrives.

My lovely bride rapidly taking notes for this Trip Report.

If you have never taken the time to check out this parade, I highly recommend it! It is a blast and a half! Great music, energetic dancers and great characters!! I so loved the army sergeant that we had! He was Hilarious!!! The girls got asked if they wanted to go and dance with some of the dancers. Em didn't want to bit Nat did and she had a blast! Ken was rockin' out so hard I thought he might slip a disc or something! I was hoping that his sciatic nerve would be all right!

The parade is loud and busy. I've found in events like this it is WAY more fun getting involved. And with that shirt on I almost had no choice. So when I got to dance along, I GROOOVED.

Thank Heaven I'm already married and have no requirement of attracting a mate with that display. My demographic would be limited to those without the ability to see. Or hear other's commentary.

You can read my take on dancing here: http://kenhorton.blogspot.com/2008/12/dancing-with.html


It's not disco until your lips are pursed.

We thoroughly enjoyed the parade and will most definitely see it again some day.

To be continued.......

but you already knew that.

 

[Dancegrl624]

That is one of the things that Disney does EXTREMELY well - Parades!!! Block Party BAsh is No exception!!! It rocks! You should definitely check it out next time! I really hope you guys get to go this year!! Fall would be amazing!

Just wanted to let you know I got a pin code yesterday!!!! My devious little plan is starting to work (I think). I've been saving vacations on the Disney website left and right, ordering park maps and planning dvds...anything to get a pin code. It's a room only pin for 20/30/40 and it's: For stays most nights:

2/15/10–3/27/10
4/11/10–7/1/10
7/5/10–10/7/10
10/11/10–11/23/10
11/28/10–12/16/10

I'm still crossing my fingers for free dining, but maybe this pin will help convince my DH a little bit!