Nory Report III: In the Third Person! After 3 Years, the Final Update! NEW 2/6

[norybell]

A little before 11:30, Nory stepped into the caricature-lined lobby of the Brown Derby, ready for an elegant lunch. She checked in and sat down, waiting for the restaurant to officially open. After a few moments, one of the white-vested staff stepped up and asked,

“Is the Smith family here?”

A large family group stepped up to the podium.

“Hello, Smith family, you’ve been chosen as our star family of the day! Will you do the honors?” The CM handed the mother a large scissors, and Nory noticed the wide red ribbon crossing the entrance to the dining room. The mother cut the ribbon, and everyone applauded. Who knew that the Brown Derby did a daily ribbon cutting ceremony?

Nory waited a few more minutes, then another CM, a young woman, proclaimed, “Nory, party of one? Nory, party of one?” Nory walked over, and the CM apologized, “Oh, I’m so sorry, I probably shouldn’t have yelled so loud that you’re here alone!” She seemed to assume that Nory felt embarrassed at her solo status, though she assumed it nicely enough.

“Don’t worry!” Nory replied. “I don’t mind—I’m happy to be here on my own!”

The CM led her to a table on the perimeter of the restaurant.

It took Nory only seconds to decide what she would eat, since she always orders the exact same thing: the Cobb Salad. When Nory and her family visited the park the year it opened, Nory was thirteen and very anti-vegetable. The Brown Derby’s Cobb Salad was the first salad she ever truly enjoyed, and she’s continued enjoying it ever since. (And yes, this may be due to the Cobb’s high protein-to-vegetable ratio.)

That morning’s Tonga Toast forced Nory to ignore the grapefruit cake on the menu, so her lunch was over pretty quickly. On other trips she had enjoyed lingering at the Brown Derby over coffee, soaking in the Old Hollywood atmosphere and pretending to be a 1930s starlet. But today she had other priorities: She still had a whole lot of research to do at the Magic Kingdom, and she was rapidly, depressingly, running out of time to do it in. Plus, the unexpected crowds at the Studios made the whole park much less pleasant than usual. So Nory decided it was time to go.

She had originally thought she would walk to Epcot and stroll through the World Showcase again, then catch the monorail from there. Instead, she decided to leave directly from Hollywood. She knew she’d have more time for Epcot on some future trip, so she forced herself not to feel bad about cutting her time there short on this one. Thinking she’d catch a Contemporary Resort, Polynesian, Magic Kingdom, or Ticket & Transportation Center bus—whichever showed up first—she speedwalked to the bus stops. A TTC bus was waiting, so she hopped on.

While she waited for the bus to leave, Nory puzzled over her plan for the afternoon. It was nearly 1:00. She had a 5:00 dinner reservation at the Wave. In between now and then, she wanted to finish her photograph-all-of-Main-Street mission, and take a rest so she could stick it out for the entire party that evening. She was having a difficult time figuring out the most efficient way to get all this done. By the time the bus pulled away, she had settled on: Magic Kingdom until 2:30, back to the Poly for a rest, then dinner, then the Kingdom again.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the bus driver.

“Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen! My name’s Tony, and I’ll be your driver here for the next hour and a half.” He was an older man, with a huge smile on his face, and he proceeded to spend the next few minutes telling them a variety of jokes that everyone had heard at least a hundred times before. He somehow managed to coerce the entire bus into singing along to “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” This led into a unique rendition of “The Wheels on the Bus:”

The driver on the bus is a little strange, a little strange, a little strange

Etc.

The guests on the bus, well, they’re strange too, they’re strange too, they’re strange too.

Etc.

It was hilarious, and everyone joined in.

Best bus driver ever! thought Nory as she climbed out at the TTC.

And then she realized the most elegant formula for her afternoon: instead of Kingdom-Poly-dinner-Kingdom, she would do Poly-Kingdom-dinner-Kingdom. Since it’s so easy to walk between the Magic Kingdom and the Contemporary, site of her dinner, this seemed the ultimate solution.

Plus, it meant she could relax for a while right away.
***

 

[norybell]

Nory struck out for the TTC-Poly path. Paving stones like the ones outside of the Magic Kingdom, etched with the names of families, lined the path. I’d love to have a paving stone with my name on it all the way out here, she thought. It would feel so special and private! Plus I bet it would last longer.

Despite having had a pretty light day of park stuff so far, Nory was feeling a bit worn out, and she looked forward to some more quality hammock time. Her heart sank a little when she entered the Poly grounds and walked past her new favorite spot, realizing she had quite a way to go to get to her room in the Aotearoa building.

If I ever stay here again, I’ll request a room in Tahiti, she decided. That way, I’ll be close to my hammock and to the TTC.

To ease the pain of the long walk, she stopped in the Great Ceremonial House on her way to her room, in hopes of finding a Halloween T-shirt. The year before, she’d bought a very cute Halloween shirt at the Contemporary Resort store. No luck at BouTiki, however—it looked like she just wasn’t liking the Halloween options enough this year to actually purchase anything. Instead, she settled for a Poly pin and some of her favorite Disney socks.

Finally back in her amazing room, she donned her suit and applied her sunscreen. Then she made the long trek all the way back to Tahiti Beach, where she spent a glorious half hour on her hammock, occasionally opening her eyes for a glimpse of the castle on the other side of the water.

She could have stayed there all day. But she forced herself up and trudged up the hill and through the longhouses toward the quiet pool. A quick dip revived her instantly. She lay on a pool chair in the shade to dry off, and chatted with the woman next to her about how nice it would be to retire to the Poly (the woman was far closer to retirement age than Nory). A few kids were splashing and yelling boisterously while their parents sat poolside on their phones, oblivious; when another family’s worth of kids joined in the ruckus and were subsequently yelled at by their parents to quiet down, the original group had the courtesy to look at least mildly shamefaced.

Nory didn’t really care. She was so comfortable, so content, to be lying in the sunshine, in her swimsuit, at the Poly, that nothing they did could penetrate her happy haze.

Finally she deemed herself dry enough, and rested enough, to return to her room and get ready for the evening. She stopped at the main building again in the hopes that the upstairs coffee shop would be open—oh, what she would have given for a good latte at that moment—but found herself stuck with Captain Cook’s, again. She settled for a soda, which she sipped as she changed into her Domo “I heart Nerds” T-shirt, bought in the World Showcase’s Japan pavilion in the spring, and thought about how the dip in the pool had actually done good things to her hair, surprisingly. She paused for a few moments in front of her incredible view—why weren’t there any hammocks on the Aotearoa beach? They should plant a few more palm trees, so they can hang one—then struck out for the boat dock. It was 3:00.

A boat arrived almost immediately, and Nory was one of the only people on it. She reviewed the next chunk of her plan (fastpass Peter Pan, take the train, Main Street pictures, get another fastpass, walk to Contemporary for dinner, return to Kingdom around 6:15). Her goal for the evening was longevity. She’d never closed the park down before, and she wanted to.
***

 

[KatMark]

Nory, what a fun update. I wasn't a fan of Brown Derby when we went in 2007, but I know there are may who love it...especially the Cobb Salad. Perhaps one day we will give it another try and have the salad.

I like your change of plans and going back to the Poly to relax for a bit in order to try to make it to park closing at the MK. I really like Tahiti...it is our favorite of the buildings we have stayed at while there. I could really go for laying in one of those hammocks right now.

That bus driver sounds awesome. What fun that ride must have been.

 

[norybell]

Nory, what a fun update. I wasn't a fan of Brown Derby when we went in 2007, but I know there are may who love it...especially the Cobb Salad. Perhaps one day we will give it another try and have the salad.

I like your change of plans and going back to the Poly to relax for a bit in order to try to make it to park closing at the MK. I really like Tahiti...it is our favorite of the buildings we have stayed at while there. I could really go for laying in one of those hammocks right now.

That bus driver sounds awesome. What fun that ride must have been.

Thanks, Kat! I would love to be in one of those hammocks right now, too...I did end up staying in Tahiti on a later trip, but, surprisingly, I decided I liked Aeor...I can't remember how to spell it!...better. The building itself just felt more peaceful to me. But who knows, that might have been a total coincidence.

 

[norybell]

I don't usually do PTRs, but this trip will be so different for me, I figured I could use some help with the planning! Please pop on over and check it out if you get the chance. And don't worry, I won't let it drag on forever...I can't, because the trip starts in 12 days!

Nory and Simba CRAWL through the World: A Sept/Oct 2013 PTR

 

[wiigirl]

Now that really is a Tower of Terror. Or at least the boiler room portion. P.U.

 

[norybell]

Very soon, Nory was once again entering the Halloween-ified Magic Kingdom.

She made a beeline straight for Peter Pan, but the fastpasses for the day were already gone. My plan is screwed already, Nory thought. She’d been a bit worried about the Halloween party being particularly busy on a Friday night, and she thought this confirmed her fears.

After wandering over to Frontierland, she ended up collecting a fastpass for Splash Mountain. The lines for Splash and Big Thunder Mountain were each twenty-five minutes—too long for Nory.

She wasn’t sure what to do with herself. So she popped into an attraction she hadn’t visited in many, many years: the Country Bear Jamboree.

The first thing Nory noticed about the show was the sound quality. They really need to update their sound system! she thought. From her seat near the back, most of the lyrics were unintelligible. The atmosphere was still fun, though, and not being able to understand left Nory’s mind free to wander.

Maybe the bears should be involved in the novel, somehow? But should they be good characters, or evil ones? Hm.

By the end of the show, her mind was once again overflowing with ideas, which she surreptitiously murmered into her phone as she headed back to Main Street for the second half of her photo project. At this point, it was the last thing she felt like doing. But she wasn’t about to leave it half finished.
***

 

[wiigirl]

Awesome update!

 

[KatMark]

Nory, did you visit Country Bears before the refurb or after? I know they closed it for awhile. I really was upset we didn't get to see it last month, especially after doing the Keys to the Kingdom Tour and hearing the story for the Country Bears.

You got some great photos in there.

I can't wait to hear where you are headed next.

 

[dismagiclover]

I love all of your Poly pictues. We've never actually stayed there, but I always think someday we will! Country Bears could definitely use a little love. My kids absolutely refuse to even go in there. LOL Great updates, as always.

 

[norybell]

Awesome update!

Thanks!

Nory, did you visit Country Bears before the refurb or after? I know they closed it for awhile. I really was upset we didn't get to see it last month, especially after doing the Keys to the Kingdom Tour and hearing the story for the Country Bears.

You got some great photos in there.

I can't wait to hear where you are headed next.

It was before the refurb. I think I remember hearing that they did upgrade the sound system. Simba and I might have to check it out on our trip...seems like something an 11-month-old might like, right? (Or else be terrified by)

I love all of your Poly pictues. We've never actually stayed there, but I always think someday we will! Country Bears could definitely use a little love. My kids absolutely refuse to even go in there. LOL Great updates, as always.

Thanks! The Poly really is my happy place...I'd stay there every time, if I could!

 

[MEK]

Nory -

I totally got behind. How did THAT happen?

So, the Cobb Salad was the first thing with vegetables you ever liked? What a funny memory. I am feeling the urge to revisit HBD even though I was there last October with Cynthia.

Poly - Kingdom - Contemp - Kingdom sounds like an excellent plan to me. I hope you got your photoshoot finished. And I hope the pictures were wonderful.

I have been in the Country Bears exactly once and its because my GF made me. She needed some nostalgia. Me, not so much because I have never been there as a child.

 

[norybell]

Nory -

I totally got behind. How did THAT happen?

I'm redeeming myself for three years of TR-slacking!

So, the Cobb Salad was the first thing with vegetables you ever liked? What a funny memory. I am feeling the urge to revisit HBD even though I was there last October with Cynthia.

It really was. And I still prefer my vegetables covered in meat & cheese! Can I blame it on my Wisconsin roots?

Poly - Kingdom - Contemp - Kingdom sounds like an excellent plan to me. I hope you got your photoshoot finished. And I hope the pictures were wonderful.

You'll get to find out in my next update!

 

[norybell]

Nory had already photographed half of Main Street, in case she’d need to draw upon the details in her book. Now it was time for the other side of the street.

Armstrong worked for Disney World’s food operations.

Big Top Theatrical Productions honors some of the creative developers of many of the classic Disney attractions in the New York World’s Fair (Claude Coats, Marc Davis, John de Cuir, and Bill Justice).

Card Walker was a President, Chairman, and CEO of Walt Disney Productions. Crowell was Disney World’s VP of Facilities; Lindberg was WED’s shop manager.

Earl Vilmer refitted the steam trains for the Disney World railroad.

This window reads: The Big Wheel Co., “One-of-a-Kind” Unicycles – Horseless Carriages. It names the designers of the ride systems for Disney World.

Michael Bagnall was CFO for the Disney Company. Snyder was head of the computer system for show controls.

Bill Walsh was the producer and writer of many Disney movies and TV shows, including Mary Poppins, The Love Bug, and The Mickey Mouse Club.

Joyce Carlson was an ink-and-painter for Disney in the ‘40s and ‘50s, and went on to create the dolls for It’s a Small World. The locations match the places where the ride has been installed. Most of the men named in the “Mechanical Toys”window were in Audio-Animatronics design and manufacturing.

Charles Ridgway was director of press and publicity for Disney World.

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST

 

[norybell]

CONTINUED FROM LAST POST

Emile Kuri was the chief decorator for Disney World.

Both Jani and Corson worked for the Disney World Entertainment Division.

Bullard was the head of Disney World security.

Lindley was head of the paint shop.

Logan was music director for Disney World, and went on to become Executive VP.

Jackman was the manager of Disney’s music department.

(sources: Mark Goldhaber’s excellent “The Windows of Main Street” series on mouseplanet.com; Window on Main Street by Chuck Snyder, and a variety of random Internet biographies)
***

 

[MEK]

Thank you for posting all of those wonderful window pictures. I am so impressed that you took the time to post information about all the people on the windows. I absolutely love the detail on Main Street. It's so lovely. And to think, soon there will be a Starbucks there. Or has it already opened? (said with a hint of sarcasm). It just seems to out of place with the rest of the dedication to Disney greats.

 

[Poolrat]

Thanks!


It was before the refurb. I think I remember hearing that they did upgrade the sound system. Simba and I might have to check it out on our trip...seems like something an 11-month-old might like, right? (Or else be terrified by)


Thanks! The Poly really is my happy place...I'd stay there every time, if I could!

Somehow I missed your time at the Poly before going to MK. That what I get for trying to catch up on my phone.

The Poly is one of my favorites but probably the one I feel so relaxed at. I am over the moon that DVC is coming to the Poly. Saving the change for some add on points.


So glad you were relaxing in the hammock then the pool before heading out again. The boat is a wonderful way to go.

Yes the CBJ had a refurb. I think the I heard the show was shortened a little and the costumes, sound and animatronics were all upgraded.


The Main street signs are great. Thanks for all the research, it is nice to know that Disney's finest is honored in this way.

 

[KatMark]

Nory, we did the Keys to the Kingdom Tour and a few windows were pointed out during the tour and we were told who they belonged to. But you gave us so many more and more information. I am going to be sure to take some time to check more of them out next trip. Thank you.

 

[norybell]

Thank you for posting all of those wonderful window pictures. I am so impressed that you took the time to post information about all the people on the windows. I absolutely love the detail on Main Street. It's so lovely. And to think, soon there will be a Starbucks there. Or has it already opened? (said with a hint of sarcasm). It just seems to out of place with the rest of the dedication to Disney greats.

It was my pleasure!

The idea of a Starbucks on Main Street is totally bizarre. Though I'll admit I won't mind having a place to get a decent cup of coffee! And I guess DL and WDW always have had lots of sponsors for places...I dunno. I assume that at least it won't have the typical (awful) Starbucks decor? As long as I still feel like I'm on Main Street, then I guess I won't mind too much.

Somehow I missed your time at the Poly before going to MK. That what I get for trying to catch up on my phone.

The Poly is one of my favorites but probably the one I feel so relaxed at. I am over the moon that DVC is coming to the Poly. Saving the change for some add on points.

I'm actually a little heartbroken about the DVC news, because my favorite favorite spot is that solo hammock on the Sunset Point end of Tahiti beach. I never got to say good-bye! I always figured, though, that it wasn't long for this world...the main reason I loved it was because it was always, always, deserted over there. I could lie on the hammock for an hour and not see another human. I always figured the powers-that-be would eventually consider that a non-optimal use of space.

Of course, now I just may have to buy into DVC.

Nory, we did the Keys to the Kingdom Tour and a few windows were pointed out during the tour and we were told who they belonged to. But you gave us so many more and more information. I am going to be sure to take some time to check more of them out next trip. Thank you.

It was pretty fun, figuring it all out! My goal was to find the source for every name, and I couldn't quite...there were a few people I just couldn't find. But I came close!

 

[MEK]

Of course, now I just may have to buy into DVC.

I don't think you will regret it! One of my friends from church just said she is adding on there because she and her DH love it so much.

I have to admit that I am pretty excited about it too. I have always wanted to stay at the Poly and its exciting to know I may finally get that chance. Once you have a certain number of DVC points that you really can't justify a resort stay, so this is very exciting news to me!