No Work and All Play – Disney on the Company’s Dime! (8/1 There and Back Again)

[skhermsmeyer]

Well, I have no clue as to where you're headed!

Love the pictures of RD (I saw Alice in '08 at Epcot talking to the flowers. Loved her character ever since I saw her doing that!)

I'm going to get my picture with Tink from the pp guys. It's a cool shot and I like the border. And thanks for showing what the TTC looks like. I had no idea what we were in for when we got there. Nice to know we won't be herded too much like cattle.

But I do have a silly question. What does GIC kingdom stand for? I'm sure it's pretty obvious, but I don't have a single clue!

 

[HilJoy14]

Definitely Tomorrowland! I also can't believe it was your first time seeing the opening show! I would think that you would plan for your family to be IN it one day! (It's a truly awesome experience!)

 

[WrightFamily06]

Great MK pictures , a lot of great photopass one's too !!

How awesome that you got to see the opening show and soo that Mickey waved right to you !! We have yet to see any opening show , maybe this trip

I'm guessing your off to Tomorrowland ??

 

[dtr_angel]

my guess is Tomorrowland!

 

[thecapells]

Not a clue..

Is it the direction they are LOOKING, or the direction they are leading you TO??

A wild, random guess would be Frontier Land- but that's about as random as all 52 cards in Bill Hickok's deck.

Ha, it's the way you are heading when you encounter them...

Isn't the rope drop at the MK the best? I just love it!
Nice pp shots! I've never seen the one with the Partners before

I am guessing you are on your way to Tomorrowland because I recall that topiary being between the castle and Tomorrowland?

Ding! Ding!
Give that lady a prize!

That was your first time ever to see the opening show? Did you like it enough to plan a rope drop with the family in January?

My first thought was that you were headed to Adventureland, but Dawn knows more about Disney than I do, and she says Tomorrowland. So now I'm not sure!

I made sure the kids saw it in November when we went back.
(that's the next TR and yes, I'm insanely behind).

Well, I have no clue as to where you're headed!

Love the pictures of RD (I saw Alice in '08 at Epcot talking to the flowers. Loved her character ever since I saw her doing that!)

I'm going to get my picture with Tink from the pp guys. It's a cool shot and I like the border. And thanks for showing what the TTC looks like. I had no idea what we were in for when we got there. Nice to know we won't be herded too much like cattle.

But I do have a silly question. What does GIC kingdom stand for? I'm sure it's pretty obvious, but I don't have a single clue!

It was a joke - the lens on my camera could only get the "GIC" of MAGIC from the logo on the floor.

Definitely Tomorrowland! I also can't believe it was your first time seeing the opening show! I would think that you would plan for your family to be IN it one day! (It's a truly awesome experience!)

We never usually do the rope drop show because we're usually at breakfast in Crystal Palace before park opening.
That way, when the rest of the guests charge in from the turnstiles, we're already all the way down Main St.

Great MK pictures , a lot of great photopass one's too !!

How awesome that you got to see the opening show and soo that Mickey waved right to you !! We have yet to see any opening show , maybe this trip

I'm guessing your off to Tomorrowland ??

Another correct guess!
You pass Magic Kingdom Geography 101!

my guess is Tomorrowland!

Yet another good navigator!
I'll have to make my clues trickier next time...

 

[thecapells]

Finally leaving the hub, I crossed the bridge into Tomorrowland.

This would be my destination for the morning.
I knocked out Adventureland and Fantasyland on my first night and I’m not much for anything in Frontierland or Toontown.
So, being a wimp with no ambition to ride Space Mountain, my first stop was to acquire a FastPass for Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin.
On my way, I was on the lookout for details – what have I missed rushing around Tomorrowland these last several years?

Detail #1 – this random over-sized Tomorrowland phonebooth.
Anyone check this out before?

Next time you swing by, make a call.
Coleena Luna, your friendly Rocket Realty representative is on the other end and does she have the space for you!
She has a lovely 2 bedroom sky rise in the Hoverburbs – a short commute from downtown Tomorrowland.
Remember, in the Hoverburbs, “real estate is always looking up!”
What a place to live this would be!!
Just another little touch thrown in by Imagineering.

Detail #2 – the metallic palms trees of Tomorrowland.
I love this bit of detail showing “futuristic” fauna.

Next I spied a new structure standing in the middle of Rocket Tower Plaza.
Time to investigate!
As many of you may remember, Disney erected this insanely expensive new stage for Stitch.

Directly behind the stage is a “control booth” where CM’s can control the action.

It seemed intriguing. So I checked out the times board.
This was brand new and I was excited to catch this show and video it for the kids.

Odd logo they were using – Stitch breaking through a board with a paint brush.
I think they were trying to be reminiscent of when Stitch invaded the Magic Kingdom with his new ride.

With that information now processed, I grabbed my Buzz Lightyear fastpass and headed back to the entrance of Tomorrowland.
First ride for the day?
Stitch’s Great Escape!

I approached the ominous structure of the Galactic Federation Prisoner Teleport Center.

On the way in, I noticed this great sign.
Anyone have any clue what it says?

Despite what people say about this ride, I actually like it.
Don’t think of what was lost with Alien Encounter – it definitely scared the little ones.
Think about this for what it is – it’s a ride made for little boys.
Chili dog burps, laser guns, getting squirted and scared, and making fun of the castle and the princesses?
What could be better?
My family and I do this one everytime and actually look forward to it.
My daughter even enjoys it as she thinks Cinderella kicking Stitch out of the castle is hilarious!

In addition, the post show area details are some of my favorites.
From the footprints on the ceiling of the gift shop leading up to this surprise…

to the Robot Newspaper Boy outside the attraction selling the Galaxy Gazette.
Much like the Rocket Realty phone, many people pass this little guy by all the time.

If you stop to check him out, you might notice a neat little detail.
The headline of the Earth Edition of the Galaxy Gazette is basically an advertisement for the attraction: “Stitch Escapes!”
I love the fact that it’s in both English as well as Galactic Standard like the sign out front of the Teleportation Center.

So now we’ve experienced Stitch escape and even read about the details.
Where could he possibly be going and what is he up to?
Stay tuned to find out!

 

[dawnbu40]

Nice update! I liked all the details you shared! I'm not sure I've ever noticed the robots before since we probably spend the least amount of time in Tomorrowland. We'll have to pay more attention next month

 

[WrightFamily06]

Great Update You always capture such nice details that I've never noticed , especially the telephone can't wait to explore them on our next trip !

Can't wait to see where your off to next , maybe the Peoplemover ?

 

[thecapells]

Nice update! I liked all the details you shared! I'm not sure I've ever noticed the robots before since we probably spend the least amount of time in Tomorrowland. We'll have to pay more attention next month

Definitely take a look - from the robots to the all the other little details, Tomorrowland is ripe with Imagineering.
I'll have some more examples in the next several segments.

Great Update You always capture such nice details that I've never noticed , especially the telephone can't wait to explore them on our next trip !

Can't wait to see where your off to next , maybe the Peoplemover ?

You know by now that I love the details and this solo trip allowed me to really explore rather than chasing little ones.
As for my next stop, I plan to follow the Tomorrowland storyline...

 

[praisehisname]

I loved this update! You always inspire me to go slower and really take in the little things!

So now we’ve experienced Stitch escape and even read about the details.
Where could he possibly be going and what is he up to?
Stay tuned to find out!

Is it time for the Stitch show now?

 

[thecapells]

I loved this update! You always inspire me to go slower and really take in the little things!


Is it time for the Stitch show now?

Thanks!
It always pays to pay attention in Disney - you'll notice something different every time!
As for what's next, is it time for Stitch already?
Hmmmmmmm....

 

[thecapells]

By now I was getting pretty excited as were most of the other citizens of Tomorrowland.
It was Galaxy Day, of course, and you know what that means!
Parties in the streets and excitement all around!
It was about 9:40 and I headed to Rocket Tower Plaza.
The coverage was set to begin at 10:00 and I wanted to be there early.
All of the video monitors were tuned to the Tomorrowland News Network (TNN) to keep us entertained until the party began.

And TNN was continually sending wishes of happiness for this wonderful day bringing peace and love throughout the galaxy.
Greetings also flashed by from Tomorrowland Light and Power
as well as the Metro-Retro Historical Society of Tomorrowland (sponsors of the Carousel of Progress)
The whole city was looking forward to Galaxy Day!

Over in Rocket Tower Plaza, the newly erected stage for the celebration was still empty.
However, the control booth was open as engineers were preparing for the Big Day.

As other guests began to fill the plaza in preparation for the festivities, I begged a kind passerby for some pictures.
I wanted to prove to everyone that I made it all the way to Ground Zero for today’s celebration!
Here I am “located in the heart of Tomorrowland”

As you can see in the close up, TNN’s top reporters began their coverage.
About 10 minutes before the celebration was unleashed on Tomorrowland, our trusty anchors tried to give us the news highlights for the day.

The lead story (which I also read about earlier in the Galaxy Gazette) was the escape of something called “Experiment 626” from the Galactic Federal Prison.
The story was even being subtitled in Galactic Standard so everyone could appreciate the warning.

The second anchor then began discussing a new robot in development called T-1138.

Author’s Note: For those not in the know, T-1138 was the title of the first movie created by George Lucas.

Then it was back to the discussion about Galaxy Day.
We had about 5 minutes left and the crowd was growing larger as the sun beamed down.
It was going to be a beautiful Galaxy Day!

The reporters even told us what to expect.
Apparently interstellar celebrity Tip Trendo and the Galactic Girls would be performing live on stage here at Rocket Tower Plaza!
I’m glad I got a good spot!

But now it was time for Galactic Weather with Tomorrowland legend, Tom Morrow.

It looked like we had a 75% chance for the day to remain very sunny.
However, I was a little worried about the 80% chance of floating away – I had forgotten to pack my anti-gravity boots!

With the clocking ticking down, TNN had just enough time for the Interstellar Traffic report with Rae Gamma.
It was expected to be a high traffic day with everyone making their way down for the celebration.

First up, an Orbiter Bender at Canis Major.
This one could cause some major delays.
Good thing I took the shortcut this morning…

Secondly, there was a major Jack Knife Transport at Andromeda and Aries.
Hmmm… this may affect my way home.
No matter, I’ll worry about that later!

But now was the moment we've all been waiting for...
HAPPY GALAXY DAY!!

 

[thecapells]

Here I was in Rocket Tower Plaza at the heart of Tomorrowland itself for Galaxy Day.
And who to kick it off other than the interstellar superstar Tip Trendo and the Galactic Girls!

The speakers erupted with “The Future is Alive!” and then the Galactic Girls made their debut.
There is Luna!

Meet Solara!

And Celestia!

Don’t forget N-n-n-n-n-n-Nancy!

But Tip Trendo himself stole the show singing and dancing live!

What a way to kick off our Galaxy Day Celebration!

But, when Tip tried to check-in via Video Phone to Dave Nebula, there was a problem.
Some blue thing answered instead.
What the?!!?!

Turns out this “thing” is the “Experiment 626” we’ve been hearing about all morning.
He calls himself “Stitch” and was having a good time.

Apparently he had taken over Dave’s cruiser and was making his escape.
He was at the controls and getting ready to blast off.

Surprisingly, he had no idea who Tip Trendo was or anything about Galaxy Day.
It’s like he was just created or something!
But once he learned, he wanted to get involved.
He even played back-up for Tip’s next song!

Stitch was so excited, he decided to send everyone a present for Galaxy Day.
Stitch contacted Robo-Mart – A Division of X-S Tech - to design a robot.
Any Tomorrowland historians remember what X-S Tech also created?
When choosing the robot’s head, one of the possible models was the late Timekeeper – yet another nod to Tomorrowland’s past.
When he finished his selections (with our help), Stitch sent the "presents" down to Tomorrowland.
Two break dancing robot machines arrived via teleportation to join our party!

Then Stitch wanted to meet some of the fans here in Rocket Tower Plaza.
He grabbed an Interstellar Camera and scanned the audience.

Wow – I have to get one of those new cameras.
Mine won’t take a picture through the atmosphere like that.

Stitch was so excited to meet someone new, he decided to give her an entire planet!
He pulled up near it so we could all see the new gift.

But, apparently Stitch wasn’t as familiar with Dave Nebula’s ship and he pushed the wrong button.
BOOOOOOM!!!

No more planet.
Stitch was very sad and apologized to his new friend.
How you can not forgive such a face?

Well, to make up for it, he decided to teach us the Stitch dance!
It was fairly interesting and the kids got a kick out of it.
When they finally mastered it, Stitch decided he wanted to come join in the festivities LIVE!
He activated the ship’s teleportation sequence as the audience around me grew very concerned.
A dangerous escaped convict was coming here! To Rocket Tower Plaza! Uh oh…

Smoke filled the stage and out came Stitch dressed like….. Elvis!?!?!

Blaring his air guitar, Stich was in full swing.
Right now he was no escaped convict - he was literally a party animal!

And now that he had joined us, Stitch danced his “Stitch Dance” along with us!

We had a blast!
This was the best Galaxy Day ever!!!

Finally, Stitch had to go.
I think the Galactic Federation had finally figured out where he was and were on their way.
He found a side door and slipped away…

What an experience!
Too bad Galaxy Day only comes once and this event will no longer takes place.
I videotaped a bunch of it to show the kids when I got back home.
Unfortunately, they’ll never get to see it live.

The Celebration was actually fairly cute and fun – moreso for the little ones here in Tomorrowland.
The dancing was another way let them get their wiggles out and have a good time.
The music was old school and could’ve been updated but what can you expect from Tip Trendo?
All in all, a decent attraction and reminiscent of the gang at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor across the way.
But since Galaxy Day is now gone, I wonder what will become of this newly constructed stage.
I guess only time will tell (and my next trip report)…

For now, I had a FastPass that was burning a hole in my pocket.
Yup, unfortunately Galaxy Day would not be all happiness and celebrations.
I had been recruited by Star Command’s Universe Protection Unit and needed to report for duty.
Come join me as we defend our galaxy from the Evil Emperor Zurg!! (suddenly that Stitch guy didn’t seem so bad).

 

[All7OfUs]

Galaxy Day is turning out to be quite the festive affair! Lots to see and do, as usual!!

 

[dawnbu40]

Glad you enjoyed the very short-lived Stitch show! I don't know how futuristic Stitch is as Elvis but he sure is cute

 

[thecapells]

Galaxy Day is turning out to be quite the festive affair! Lots to see and do, as usual!!

It was definitely alot of fun!

Glad you enjoyed the very short-lived Stitch show! I don't know how futuristic Stitch is as Elvis but he sure is cute

Hey, the Elvis thing was weird.
I thought it would be more appropriate if he showed up in his orange alien costume with all 4 arms.

 

[thecapells]

Glad you enjoyed the very short-lived Stitch show! I don't know how futuristic Stitch is as Elvis but he sure is cute

BTW Dawn - since I saw you twice the day before...
Did you get a chance to see this show?
What were your thoughts?

 

[DisneyMom5]

I have been around in a while, but wanted to chime in and say I enjoyed your latest updates.

 

[dawnbu40]

BTW Dawn - since I saw you twice the day before...
Did you get a chance to see this show?
What were your thoughts?

We didn't manage to see the show. We had headed over there one day and it started raining so we went inside Carousel of Progress. After that we never made it over there again.

 

[thecapells]

I have been around in a while, but wanted to chime in and say I enjoyed your latest updates.

Thanks and welcome back!
It's always more fun being "in character."
You get a much better feel for the Disney storylines that way...

We didn't manage to see the show. We had headed over there one day and it started raining so we went inside Carousel of Progress. After that we never made it over there again.

That stinks.
I bet you thought you'd just catch it next time...