Oh Come All Ye Faithful... DIS TR Addicts... UPDATE 4/19

[2xcited2sleep]

I already printed off all the specifics on it for the trip binder!

I should have known you were on top of it! Do you know, is it something you have to reserve or can you decide to play on the spur of the moment?

I loved your Osborne lights pictures! They are really beautiful!!! I can't wait to see them in December!

The Cobb Salad looks amaaaaaaaaaazing. Yum, yum, yum.



Oh man! That is so sad! We planned our December trip around this and a shuttle launch. But, I do understand why - I can't imagine planning something of that size. Good for Dave for realizing he needed to focus on his family!



Ooooh, I'll have to go check that out!

Osborne lights and Cobb salad are a very awesome evening. Add a DIS event and it is just heaven. I can't wait to see what they come up with. But honestly, as fantastical as the event was (and I'm about to tell you all about it) the really great part was meeting people you've "talked to" online so that they could do anywhere as far as I'm concerned!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I think that subconsciously (what can I say, I’m deep ) I’ve procrastinated writing this chapter. I’m nervous. Nervous that I don’t have the words or literary skills to do such a magical evening justice. Anxious because I both want to be respectful of the request we not share photos of the party and I want to share every last detail with you because it was that awesome! I haven’t resolved the nerves but in terms of the photos I figure I can share ride photos b/c the ride didn’t change that night vs. any other day and I will have to settle for describing the “party scape” for you.

So Heather and I finished up on the Streets of America and Osborne Lights (it was really getting pretty empty!) and we headed over to the big Coke bottle for registration. Heather was meeting up with some friends from another thread here on the DIS – adventurosity club? If I understood it correctly, this group came together back when the search for the Chief Magic Official was formed; they supported eachother through that process and have kept in touch. It was neat to see them meeting eachother for the first time. It’s just amazing how the DIS can bring people together. It was very cool and kind of like how I imagine gnomefest will be. I took a few pictures of their group with the Osborne lights in the background and then we decided we should get ourselves registered. There were cast members standing blocking entrance into Pixar Place but as soon as we said we were there for a private event they let us on through.

The organizers had commandeered some counter service tables for the registration process. I have read some posts from party organizers saying that they didn’t think registration went well but from my perspective it went quite smoothly! The had it organized in 3 or 4 lines based on the first letter of your last name. As luck would have it, Heather and I both have names in the same section of the alphabet and even better, our line was the shortest! I was nervous because I didn’t have the email print out I was apparently supposed to have. This caused anxiety on a few levels – of course I wanted to be able to attend but also I’m a detail oriented planner and for me to have missed the detail that I needed to bring this with me was unusual. Luckily it was not a problem and before I knew it we were checked in. After checking in we got a gift bag that contained some mardi-gras type beads, some ads from party sponsors and things that at this point I just can’t remember.

Gift bag- as if the event itself wasn’t enough, we got goodies too??

So after checking in, we meandered over closer to the TSM ride. The entire Pixar Place section was “blocked off.” By blocked off, I mean CMs were stationed at the entrances holding their glow stick things and advising “regular” people that they couldn’t come in. Pixar Place had been transformed for a party. You can see some of the official pictures here. On the TSM side of the street, just outside of the ride, a long buffet table was set up with a wide variety of sweet snacks and chocolately goodness. On the other side of the street, a cash bar was set up (for whatever reason you bought tickets – like carnival tickets- and then could use those for drinks rather than just paying for drinks directly.). There was also an ice cream man with an ice cream cart and you could have anything you wanted – Mickey Bars, Itzadookies and more free of charge! The CM manning the ice cream cart was especially entertaining and we had some discussion as to whether that was his regular persona or whether he was “in Hollywood character.” Either way, he seemed to so genuinely love his job and be so interested in meeting all the party guests and making sure they had a good time it was adorable! Then all around in Pixar Place little round tables were set up with tablecloths and votive candles on them. It was magical. Words fail me but as we looked around and realized just how special an opportunity this was – to be in the park after hours, to be at the famed TSM where waiting times were in the hours during the day, to be together with other Disney geeks, and to be meeting DIS’ers we’ve been talking to online for so long. It was really special.

Because I can’t bring myself to set an alarm clock on vacation and b/c I do not have the patience to wait in long lines, I had never ever ridden TSM before. The ride was open for business and we ran on through the queue.

How many people have seen this??

I got such a kick out of the queue and all of the “old-school” toys.

Board games

Tinker Toys (I didn’t play w/ these but my brother did!)

How I loved the View Master! I believe my favorite disc may have been from Land of the Lost… anyone remember that??

I always wanted this game but for whatever reason never got it. I had to settle for playing at friends’ houses.

For some reason I was fascinated by this giant plug!

This spoke to me… for more reasons than one!

Even the ceiling is decorated!

Mr. Potato Head was not “on” as they didn’t need to use the full queue for our little group but a super nice cast member let us go back and visit with him. This is me (with my dependable blue fleece—are you as sick of seeing it as I was of wearing it??), Heather, and AnnDisneyFan. You can see that we all had name tags to put on. That was really helpful to see everyone’s screen names. I can’t tell you how cool it was to meet people who I’d seen posting and whose trips I’d followed. Oh and looking at the photo also reminds me that they handed out free glow stick necklace thingys. Very cool!

The cast members working the attraction were fantastic. I think they got a kick out of how giddy we were. And we were giddy. Paula was talking recently about the commercial where you see an adult’s reflection in a store window and they’ve turned into a 7-year-old. That’s what we all were. A bunch of kids. Free of responsibility and let loose in WDW after hours!! They would let us ride again without getting out of the ride vehicle if no one else was in line. That happened many times. I want to say that we rode at least 30 times. CRAZY!! They also gave us some tips for things you need to aim at for bonus points within the ride. I’m not going to share them here both b/c my memory is failing and b/c I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone. But I just thought it was cool that after a long day at work these CMs were still going out of their way to make sure we had a good time.

My high score (in red):

My arm sure did hurt at the end of the evening!!

I made sure to seek out Pete Werner, founder of the DIS to thank him for the party. This was really a first class event all the way. And what an incredible experience to be in the parks after closing and surrounded by other DISers.

Back when we’d registered for the event, we indicated what resort we were staying at and whether we’d require a ride home. It seemed like most people had their own transport home but there were many of us who took advantage of the bus transportation that was provided. This too was very well organized. Once the party was over, CM’s escorted us backstage and to waiting motorcoaches . These weren’t Disney buses but “rented” buses. Each had a sign on them of the 3 or 4 resorts (based on location) it would be heading to. They knew exactly how many people they were expecting on each bus and once we were full we were on our way home. Animal Kingdom Lodge was the first stop. At this point it was after midnight and I was exhausted. Happy, deliriously happy, but exhausted.

I really do not have the words to say enough about this event. I thought it was well organized and a fantastically fun time. And more than that, so generous of the DIS to host. We didn’t pay a penny to attend. Clearly a lot of time and effort (as well as $$) went into the planning of this event and I am so grateful. This has got to be in the top five WDW memories of all time. It was that amazing.


You may remember that the moon that week was particularly full and bright. How cool is this shot??

 

[nts4wdw]

That was amazing! I am so happy you got to experience such a wonderful night. It may have been a once in a lifetime thing!

PS. I don't think you should give that Old Maid card much thought.

 

[punkin413]

how cool!!! really neat how they had tables set up for you guys. glad you got to ride TSM. it's a must-do for me now!

 

[Quacktatty]

That is so awesome that you got to go but so sad at the same time that there won't be any Mousefest this year. Hopefully they bring it back eventually I'd really like to go one year.

 

[TarzansKat]

Wow.

Is it okay that I'm now jealous??

But seriously, that sounds like a WONDERFUL night, and you totally did it justice with your description. Incredible!

 

[kschafer]

I have been waiting oh so patiently for this portion of your TR

It sounds like the most amazing, magical experience anyone could hope for at the happiest place on Earth!

 

[sunny_stace]

I am soooooo jealous right now! It sounds like the Dis event was absolutely brilliant!! Fantastic! And great score of TSMM! I never did very good...but I had fun! You are absolutely glowing in these photos with joy! I'm glad you guys had such a great time!

I am sorry that I missed out on the Wonder Twins....how cool would it be to be able to turn into different animals and have a pet monkey?!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

That was amazing! I am so happy you got to experience such a wonderful night. It may have been a once in a lifetime thing!

PS. I don't think you should give that Old Maid card much thought.

Thanks! I'm sure in a lot of ways it was once in lifetime. It was definitely spectacular. But hopefully there will be similar events in the future. In fact the DIS has said that they will do something similar. See this post for details.

Thanks on the old maid card. I will try not to give it too much thought. I'm sure he's out there somewhere!

how cool!!! really neat how they had tables set up for you guys. glad you got to ride TSM. it's a must-do for me now!

Isn't it just the best ride? So fun! I had read a lot about it and was surprised by how much I liked it. So fun!! They really out did themselves with the party. Between the ride and the snacks I didn't slow down enough to sit at the tables but it just made for a magical picture.

That is so awesome that you got to go but so sad at the same time that there won't be any Mousefest this year. Hopefully they bring it back eventually I'd really like to go one year.

It was definitely awesome and I loved every single second of it. I am also disappointed there won't be Mousefest this year -- although I completely understand and support the reasons why and thank the exec committee for all they've done-- but as I mentioned above the DIS may be doing some event this year. They have been very respectful and careful to say that they are not looking to replace Mousefest but maybe just do an event similar to TSM. The DIS folks are a class act!!

Wow.

Is it okay that I'm now jealous??

But seriously, that sounds like a WONDERFUL night, and you totally did it justice with your description. Incredible!

I will accept jealousy! Thanks. It was fantabulous and even as I read over what I wrote I think to myself, but you forgot that and you didn't capture that. The collective energy in Pixar Place that evening was definitely magical. There is something special about DIS'ers!!

I have been waiting oh so patiently for this portion of your TR

It sounds like the most amazing, magical experience anyone could hope for at the happiest place on Earth!

It definitely was that! An unforgettable evening, to be sure.

I am soooooo jealous right now! It sounds like the Dis event was absolutely brilliant!! Fantastic! And great score of TSMM! I never did very good...but I had fun! You are absolutely glowing in these photos with joy! I'm glad you guys had such a great time!

I am sorry that I missed out on the Wonder Twins....how cool would it be to be able to turn into different animals and have a pet monkey?!

It was certainly a great night but I'm sure there are plenty of other great nights to come. At gnomefest, for example.

How DID you miss out on the Wonder Twins? Who couldn't use a pet monkey?

 

[Lady Lallie]

Ooooh. Your night sounds absolutely amazing! What a wonderful experience and memory. You did a great job describing too.

And pfffft to that Old Maid card!

You were excited about the giant plug because it was attached to a string of lights!

 

[princess&her4princes]

What a truly awesome night, Christine!! I'm SO jealous, it seemed like the perfect night and what a great party DIS through!!!! You road TSM 30 times?!! Holy cow your arm must have hurt, we road it once and I was so tense from that one ride, it takes a lot out of you..lol!! How fun, thanks for sharing!! You did a great job explaining it all to us and capturing the magical for us, thanks!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

What an awesomely cool party!!! No wonder you are bummed that Mousefest is not being held this year -- now I really want to go for the next one! How did you know to register for this event?

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Ooooh. Your night sounds absolutely amazing! What a wonderful experience and memory. You did a great job describing too.

Awww... thanks. But really, take what I said and multiply it by 100 at least!!

And pfffft to that Old Maid card!

You were excited about the giant plug because it was attached to a string of lights!

I'm sure that is why! I don't know why I didn't think of that!!

What a truly awesome night, Christine!! I'm SO jealous, it seemed like the perfect night and what a great party DIS through!!!! You road TSM 30 times?!! Holy cow your arm must have hurt, we road it once and I was so tense from that one ride, it takes a lot out of you..lol!! How fun, thanks for sharing!! You did a great job explaining it all to us and capturing the magical for us, thanks!!

Thanks so much! It was truly amazing. I lost count on how many times but I'm guessing it was around 30. We could just go again and again and again. At least 3 or 4 times the CMs just let us stay on- sometimes for 3 times in a row!! My arm was definitely hurting but your competitive spirit takes over!

What an awesomely cool party!!! No wonder you are bummed that Mousefest is not being held this year -- now I really want to go for the next one! How did you know to register for this event?

It was definitely awesomely cool. And I hope that the DIS is able to plan something for this year even though it can never replace the total Mousefest experience. As far as how I knew to register for this event it was a bit of chance. I am a dedicated podcast listener during my commutes so I knew they were planning it. But I had kind of forgotten about it and one night randomly, while DIS'ing, I thought to myself about 10 min before registration started, "isn't tonight the night??" And thankfully I got in and got myself registered. I am so thankful and grateful. It was fantastic! I will be paying much closer attention this year!

 

[jenjolt]

Wow what an amazing and unique opportunity you were able to apart of!! I'm so glad you had so much fun C!!! WOW..to your scores too...you go girl!!!!!

I must also agree with you I think Gnomefest will be a lot of fun and it will be great to meet all the girls we have come to know and love!!! I can't wait!!!

Well thank you so much for a lovely update! I was so happy to come home and find it updated!!! GREAT JOB!

 

[Donald is #1]

Wasn't the TSM Party awesome??? I had such an incredible time there except, my arm didn't last as long as yours. I only did it about 4 times before my arm was protesting too much.

 

[ILuvCrush]

wow...all I can say....wow

 

[Circusgirl]

Woo hoo!!! Reading about our incredible evening brought it all back and I'm contact giddy just thinking about it. It really was a once in a lifetime experience. It was fantastic that there were friends to share it with!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I should have known you were on top of it! Do you know, is it something you have to reserve or can you decide to play on the spur of the moment?

I just got to thinking this morning that I never responded to this question, Christine. From what I have read on the various websites, you go to one of three places at Epcot and "sign up" to do the adventure. You are then assigned a time to go and pick up one of the Kimmunicators. So it sounds like it works almost like a Fast Pass. We will try it this summer and give you the low-down.

 

[Circusgirl]

I just got to thinking this morning that I never responded to this question, Christine. From what I have read on the various websites, you go to one of three places at Epcot and "sign up" to do the adventure. You are then assigned a time to go and pick up one of the Kimmunicators. So it sounds like it works almost like a Fast Pass. We will try it this summer and give you the low-down.

This is indeed how it works. When I was there in January they were in soft open so it was pretty casual. There were Kimmunicator stands near the International Gateway, Norway and Italy that I visited, don't know where the others are. When you get the Kimmunicator you start the unit and begin receiving your instructions, including which country to go to to start the adventure. It is super fun. You could get one unit per family or several if you have several kids and each wants to have one. You're going to have a blast!!!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Wow what an amazing and unique opportunity you were able to apart of!! I'm so glad you had so much fun C!!! WOW..to your scores too...you go girl!!!!!

I must also agree with you I think Gnomefest will be a lot of fun and it will be great to meet all the girls we have come to know and love!!! I can't wait!!!

Well thank you so much for a lovely update! I was so happy to come home and find it updated!!! GREAT JOB!

I am certain I will never be able to recreate that score. I've forgotten most of the tips the CMs gave us but I do remember that there are some "working together" elements that allow both you and your ride partner to maximize scores. I like that as an overall theme/message. Very Disney!

I can't wait to meet all you gals in April 2010!!!!!!!!!!

Wasn't the TSM Party awesome??? I had such an incredible time there except, my arm didn't last as long as yours. I only did it about 4 times before my arm was protesting too much.

It was SO amazing. I'm sorry that I didn't catch up with you during it! My arm DEFINITELY was feeling it... I think my competitiveness wore some of it away and my giddyness took care of the rest of it!

wow...all I can say....wow

Yup... wow is a pretty accurate descriptor!

Woo hoo!!! Reading about our incredible evening brought it all back and I'm contact giddy just thinking about it. It really was a once in a lifetime experience. It was fantastic that there were friends to share it with!

It totally was. I had SUCH a great time with you!

I just got to thinking this morning that I never responded to this question, Christine. From what I have read on the various websites, you go to one of three places at Epcot and "sign up" to do the adventure. You are then assigned a time to go and pick up one of the Kimmunicators. So it sounds like it works almost like a Fast Pass. We will try it this summer and give you the low-down.

This is indeed how it works. When I was there in January they were in soft open so it was pretty casual. There were Kimmunicator stands near the International Gateway, Norway and Italy that I visited, don't know where the others are. When you get the Kimmunicator you start the unit and begin receiving your instructions, including which country to go to to start the adventure. It is super fun. You could get one unit per family or several if you have several kids and each wants to have one. You're going to have a blast!!!!

I am REALLY looking forward to trying this. I always wanted to be Nancy Drew as a kid so I think this will be as close as I can get. Hopefully the game allows for time to stop for cocktails... :